'Counterpoise' definitions:

Definition of 'counterpoise'

noun

A weight that balances another weight [syn: counterweight, counterbalance, counterpoise, balance, equalizer, equaliser]

verb

Constitute a counterweight or counterbalance to [syn: counterweight, counterpoise, counterpose]

From: GCIDE

Counterpoise \Coun"ter*poise`\ (koun"t?r-poiz`; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Counterpoised (-poizd`); p. pr. & vb. n. Counterpoising.] [OE. countrepesen, counterpeisen, F. contrepeser. See Counter, adv., and Poise, v. t. ]
1. To act against with equal weight; to equal in weight; to balance the weight of; to counterbalance. [1913 Webster]
Weights, counterpoising one another. --Sir K. Digby. [1913 Webster]
2. To act against with equal power; to balance. [1913 Webster]
So many freeholders of English will be able to beard and counterpoise the rest. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Counterpoise \Coun"ter*poise`\ (koun"t?r-poiz`), n. [OE. countrepese, OF. contrepois, F. contrepods. See Counter, adv., and Poise, n.]
1. A weight sufficient to balance another, as in the opposite scale of a balance; an equal weight. [1913 Webster]
Fastening that to our exact balance, we put a metalline counterpoise into the opposite scale. --Boyle. [1913 Webster]
2. An equal power or force acting in opposition; a force sufficient to balance another force. [1913 Webster]
The second nobles are a counterpoise to the higher nobility, that they grow not too potent. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
3. The relation of two weights or forces which balance each other; equilibrium; equiponderance. [1913 Webster]
The pendulous round eart, with balanced air, In counterpoise. --Milton. [1913 Webster]