'Poise' definitions:

Definition of 'poise'

From: WordNet
noun
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
noun
A state of being balanced in a stable equilibrium
noun
Great coolness and composure under strain; "keep your cool" [syn: aplomb, assuredness, cool, poise, sang-froid]
verb
Be motionless, in suspension; "The bird poised for a few moments before it attacked"
verb
Prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult [syn: brace, poise]
verb
Cause to be balanced or suspended
verb
Hold or carry in equilibrium [syn: poise, balance]

Definition of 'Poise'

From: 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]

Definition of 'Poise'

From: GCIDE
  • 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]

Definition of 'Poise'

From: GCIDE
  • 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]

Synonyms of 'poise'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Poise'