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 verb1 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 way3: to put into readiness : braceintransitive verb1: to become drawn up into readiness2: hover