Counterpoise

3 definitions found

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

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

  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.
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              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]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  counterpoise
       n : an equivalent counterbalancing weight [syn: {counterweight},
            {counterbalance}, {balance}, {equalizer}, {equaliser}]
       v : constitute a counterweight or counterbalance to [syn: {counterweight},
            {counterpose}]