poise

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: aplombassurednesscoolsang-froidbracebalance

WordNet 3.0

Noun (3)

  1. a cgs unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimeter; the viscosity of a fluid in which a force of one dyne per square centimeter maintains a velocity of 1 centimeter per second
  2. a state of being balanced in a stable equilibrium
  3. great coolness and composure under strain“keep your cool”Synonyms: aplombassurednesscoolsang-froid

Verb (4)

  1. be motionless, in suspension“The bird poised for a few moments before it attacked”
  2. prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficultSynonyms: brace
  3. cause to be balanced or suspended
  4. hold or carry in equilibriumSynonyms: balance
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Poise \Poise\, n. [OE. pois, peis, OF. pois, peis, F. poids, fr. L. pensum a portion weighed out, pendere to weigh, weigh out. Cf. Avoirdupois, Pendant, Poise, v.] [Formerly written also peise.]

1.Weight; gravity; that which causes a body to descend; heaviness. "Weights of an extraordinary poise." --Evelyn. [1913 Webster]

2.The weight, or mass of metal, used in weighing, to balance the substance weighed. [1913 Webster]

3.The state of being balanced by equal weight or power; equipoise; balance; equilibrium; rest. --Bentley. [1913 Webster]

4.That which causes a balance; a counterweight. [1913 Webster]

Men of unbounded imagination often want the poise of judgment.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]

5.a dignified and self-confident manner; graceful composure and tact in handling difficult social situations. [PJC]

Poise \Poise\, v. i. To hang in equilibrium; to be balanced or suspended; hence, to be in suspense or doubt. [1913 Webster]

The slender, graceful spars Poise aloft in air. --Longfellow. [1913 Webster]

Poise \Poise\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Poised, ; p. pr. & vb. n. Poising.] [OE. poisen, peisen, OF. & F. peser, to weigh, balance, OF. il peise, il poise, he weighs, F. il p[`e]se, fr. L. pensare, v. intens. fr. pendere to weigh. See Poise, n., and cf. Pensive.] [Formerly written also peise.]

1.To balance; to make of equal weight; as, to poise the scales of a balance. [1913 Webster]

2.To hold or place in equilibrium or equiponderance. [1913 Webster]

Nor yet was earth suspended in the sky; Nor poised, did on her own foundation lie.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]

3.To counterpoise; to counterbalance. [1913 Webster]

One scale of reason to poise another of sensuality.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
To poise with solid sense a sprightly wit.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]

4.To ascertain, as by the balance; to weigh. [1913 Webster]

He can not sincerely consider the strength, poise the weight, and discern the evidence.— South.[1913 Webster]

5.To weigh (down); to oppress. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Lest leaden slumber peise me down to-morrow.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
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