Counterpoise \Coun"ter*poise`\ (koun"t?r-poiz`), n. [OE.
countrepese, OF. contrepois, F. contrepods. See Counter,
adv., and Poise, n.]
1. A weight sufficient to balance another, as in the opposite
scale of a balance; an equal weight.
[1913 Webster]
Fastening that to our exact balance, we put a
metalline counterpoise into the opposite scale.
--Boyle.
[1913 Webster]
2. An equal power or force acting in opposition; a force
sufficient to balance another force.
[1913 Webster]
The second nobles are a counterpoise to the higher
nobility, that they grow not too potent. --Bacon.
[1913 Webster]
3. The relation of two weights or forces which balance each
other; equilibrium; equiponderance.
[1913 Webster]
The pendulous round eart, with balanced air,
In counterpoise. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Counterpoise \Coun"ter*poise`\ (koun"t?r-poiz`; 277), v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Counterpoised (-poizd`); p. pr. & vb. n.
Counterpoising.] [OE. countrepesen, counterpeisen, F.
contrepeser. See Counter, adv., and Poise, v. t. ]
1. To act against with equal weight; to equal in weight; to
balance the weight of; to counterbalance.
[1913 Webster]
Weights, counterpoising one another. --Sir K.
Digby.
[1913 Webster]
2. To act against with equal power; to balance.
[1913 Webster]
So many freeholders of English will be able to beard
and counterpoise the rest. --Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
counterpoise
n : an equivalent counterbalancing weight [syn: counterweight,
counterbalance, balance, equalizer, equaliser]
v : constitute a counterweight or counterbalance to [syn: counterweight,
counterpose]
WordNet (r) 2.0
|
|
|