Main Entry: ¹poise

Pronunciation: \ˈpȯiz\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): poised; pois·ing

Etymology: Middle English, to weigh, ponder, from Anglo-French peiser, poiser, from Latin pensare — more at pensive

Date: 1598

transitive verb 1 a : balance; especially : to hold or carry in equilibrium <carried a water jar poised on her head> b : to hold supported or suspended without motion in a steady position <poised her fork and gave her guest a knowing look — Louis Bromfield>
2 : to hold or carry (the head) in a particular way
3 : to put into readiness : braceintransitive verb 1 : to become drawn up into readiness
2 : hover