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| [[File:lighterstill.jpg]][[File:Poise.jpg|right|frame]] | | [[File:lighterstill.jpg]][[File:Poise.jpg|right|frame]] |
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− | ==Pronunciation== | + | ==Origin== |
− | \ˈpȯiz\
| + | [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English], to weigh, [[ponder]], from Anglo-French peiser, poiser, from Latin pensare |
− | ==Function==
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− | verb
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− | | |
− | Inflected Form(s): poised; pois·ing
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− | ==Etymology== | |
− | Middle [[English]], to weigh, ponder, from Anglo-French peiser, poiser, from Latin pensare — more at pensive | |
| ==Date== | | ==Date== |
| [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 1598] | | [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 1598] |
| ==Definitions== | | ==Definitions== |
| :transitive verb | | :transitive verb |
− | *1 a : [[balance]]; especially : to hold or carry in equilibrium <carried a water jar poised on her head> | + | *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> | + | :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 | | *2 : to hold or carry (the head) in a particular way |
| *3 : to put into readiness : brace | | *3 : to put into readiness : brace |