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| poise [ poyz ] |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. composure: calm self-assured dignity, especially in dealing with social situations
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2. controlled grace in movement: a graceful controlled way of standing, moving, or performing an action
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3. equilibrium: a stable state of balance
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4. suspended state: a state of hovering or being in suspension
(
literary
)
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transitive and intransitive verb (past and past participle poised, present participle pois·ing, 3rd person present singular pois·es) |
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| Definition: |
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balance: to be balanced or suspended, or place or hold something in balance or suspension
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| [14th century. The noun is via Old French pois "weight, balance"; the verb via peser "weigh," both ultimately < Latin pensare (see pensive)] |