counterpoise

3 definitions found

counterpoise - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  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.
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              The second nobles are a counterpoise to the higher
              nobility, that they grow not too potent. --Bacon.
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     3. The relation of two weights or forces which balance each
        other; equilibrium; equiponderance.
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              The pendulous round eart, with balanced air,
              In counterpoise.                      --Milton.
        [1913 Webster]

  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.
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     2. To act against with equal power; to balance.
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              So many freeholders of English will be able to beard
              and counterpoise the rest.            --Spenser.
        [1913 Webster]

counterpoise - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  counterpoise
      n 1: a weight that balances another weight [syn:
           counterweight, counterbalance, counterpoise,
           balance, equalizer, equaliser]
      v 1: constitute a counterweight or counterbalance to [syn:
           counterweight, counterpoise, counterpose]