Poise

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Lighterstill.jpg

Poise.jpg

Origin

Middle English, to weigh, ponder, from Anglo-French peiser, poiser, from Latin pensare

Date

1598

Definitions

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

See also