Biases

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Bias \Bi"as\ (b[imac]"as), n.; pl. {Biases} (-[e^]z). [F.
     biasis, perh. fr. LL. bifax two-faced; L. bis + facies face.
     See {Bi-}, and cf. {Face}.]
     1. A weight on the side of the ball used in the game of
        bowls, or a tendency imparted to the ball, which turns it
        from a straight line.


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              Being ignorant that there is a concealed bias within
              the spheroid, which will . . . swerve away. --Sir W.
                                                    Scott.
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     2. A leaning of the mind; propensity or prepossession toward
        an object or view, not leaving the mind indifferent; bent;
        inclination.
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              Strong love is a bias upon the thoughts. --South.
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              Morality influences men's lives, and gives a bias to
              all their actions.                    --Locke.
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     3. A wedge-shaped piece of cloth taken out of a garment (as
        the waist of a dress) to diminish its circumference.
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     4. A slant; a diagonal; as, to cut cloth on the bias.
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     Syn: Prepossession; prejudice; partiality; inclination. See
          {Bent}.
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