counterpoise Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a weight that balances another weight
    equalizer; counterweight; equaliser; counterbalance; balance.
  2. verb constitute a counterweight or counterbalance to
    counterweight; counterpose.

WordNet


Coun"ter*poise` transitive verb
Etymology
OE. countrepesen, counterpeisen, F. contrepeser. See Counter, adv., and Poise, v. t.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Counterpoised present participle & verbal noun Counterpoising
Definitions
  1. To act against with equal weight; to equal in weght; to balance the weight of; to counterbalance.
    Weigts, counterpoising one another. Sir K. Digby.
  2. To act against with equal power; to balance.
    So many freeholders of English will be able to beard and counterpoise the rest. Spenser.
Coun"ter*poise` noun
Etymology
OE. countrepese, OF. contrepois, F. contrepods. See Counter, adv., and Poise, n.
Definitions
  1. A weight sufficient to balance another, as in the opposite scale of a balance; an equal weight.
    Fastening that to our exact balance, we put a metalline counterpoise into the opposite scale. Boyle.
  2. An equal power or force acting in opposition; a force sufficient to balance another force.
    The second nobles are a counterpoise to the higher nobility, that they grow not too potent. Bacon.
  3. The relation of two weights or forces which balance each other; equilibrum; equiponderance.
    The pendulous round eart, with balanced air, In counterpoise. Milton.

Webster 1913