Poise

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Lighterstill.jpg

Poise.jpg

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 : brace

intransitive verb 1 : to become drawn up into readiness

2 : hover