Webster's English Dictionary

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poise

Cross references:
  1. tact                  
 
1. poise \'po.iz\ vb [ME poisen to weigh, ponder, fr. MF pois-, stem of 
   peser, fr.] L pensare - more at PENSIVE 1a: BALANCE; esp : to hold or carry 
   equilibrium  1b: to hold supported or suspended without motion in a steady 
   position  2: to hold or carry (the head) in a particular way  3: to put 
   into readiness : BRACE  1: to become drawn up into readiness  2: HOVER 
2. poise n 1: BALANCE, EQUILIBRIUM  2a1: self-possessed composure, 
   assurance, and dignity  2a2: TRANQUILLITY, CALM, SERENITY  2b: a particular 
   way of carrying oneself : BEARING, CARRIAGE