Counterpoise
Pronunciation : Coun"ter*poise` (koun"tr-poiz`; 277)
Part of Speech : v.
Etymology : [OE. countrepesen, counterpeisen, F. contrepeser. See Counter, adv., and Poise, v. t. ]
Definition : 1. To act against with equal weight; to equal in weght; to balance the weight of; to counterbalance. Weigts, counterpoising one another. Sir K. Digby.
2. To act against with equal power; to balance. So many freeholders of English will be able to beard and counterpoise the rest. Spenser.
t. [imp. & p. p. Counterpoised (-poizd`); p. pr. & vb. n. Counterpoising.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
Pronunciation : Coun"ter*poise` (koun"tr-poiz`)
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [OE. countrepese, OF. contrepois, F. contrepods. See Counter, adv., and Poise, n.]
Definition : 1. A weight sufficient to balance another, as in the opposite scale of a balance; an equal weight. Fastening that to our exact balance, we put a metalline counterpoise into the opposite scale. Boyle.
2. An equal power or force acting in opposition; a force sufficient to balance another force. The second nobles are a counterpoise to the higher nobility, that they grow not too potent. Bacon.
3. The relation of two weights or forces which balance each other; equilibrum; equiponderance. The pendulous round eart, with balanced air, In counterpoise. Milton.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913