Definition of "counterpoise"

counterpoise

/ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪz/

noun
plural counterpoises
1. A weight sufficient to balance another, for example in the opposite end of scales; an equal weight.
2. An effect of equal power or force acting in opposition; a force sufficient to balance another force or influence
  Quotations
  This necessary counterpoise, the affectionate and simple-minded will readily conceive, would arise to Louisa from the absence of those "dear familiar faces" which had hitherto constituted her world.
  1838 (date written), L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter XVI, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume I, London: Henry Colburn, […], published 1842, page 200
3. The relation of two weights or forces which balance each other; equilibrium
verb
third-person singular simple present counterpoises, present participle counterpoising, simple past and past participle counterpoised
1. To act against with equal weight; to equal in weight; to balance the weight of; to counterbalance.
  Quotations
  Weights, counterpoising one another.
  1644, Kenelm Digby, Two Treatises
2. To act against with equal power; to balance.
  Quotations
  So many freeholders of English […] will be able to beard, and to counterpoise the rest.
  1596 (date written; published 1633), Edmund Spenser, A Vewe of the Present State of Irelande […], Dublin: […] Societie of Stationers, […]; republished as A View of the State of Ireland […] (Ancient Irish Histories), Dublin: […] Society of Stationers, […] Hibernia Press, […] [b]y John Morrison, 1809,

Definition of "counterpoise"

counterpoise

noun

Quotations

verb

Quotations

Quotations