n. 1. A counterbalancing weight. 2. A force or influence that balances or equally counteracts another. 3. The state of being in equilibrium. tr.v. coun·ter·poised, coun·ter·pois·ing, coun·ter·pois·es 1. To oppose with an equal weight; counterbalance. 2. To act against with an equal force or power; offset. [Alteration (influenced by POISE1) of Middle English countrepeis, from Old French contrepeis : contre-, counter- + peis, weight; see AVOIRDUPOIS.] |
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