Poise
From Nordan Symposia
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\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 : brace
intransitive verb 1 : to become drawn up into readiness
2 : hover