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poise

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

poise

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

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