poise

4 entries found for poise.
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poise[1,verb] poise[2,noun] poise[3,noun] self-poise

Main Entry: ¹poise
Pronunciation: 'poiz
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
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 : BRACE
intransitive verb
1 : to become drawn up into readiness
2 : HOVER