counterpoise Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

OE. countrepesen, counterpeisen, F. contrepeser. See Counter, adv., and Poise, v. t.

imperfect & past participle Counterpoised present participle & verbal noun Counterpoising

To act against with equal weight; to equal in weght; to balance the weight of; to counterbalance.
Weigts, counterpoising one another. Sir K. Digby.
To act against with equal power; to balance.
So many freeholders of English will be able to beard and counterpoise the rest. Spenser.

OE. countrepese, OF. contrepois, F. contrepods. See Counter, adv., and Poise, n.

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.
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.
The relation of two weights or forces which balance each other; equilibrum; equiponderance.
The pendulous round eart, with balanced air, In counterpoise. Milton.