See Also: counterpoise(1)(dictionary)
counterpoise(2)(dictionary)

counterpoise(2) (iou)



counterpoise verb. LME.
[from tonic stem of Old French contrepeser, formed as COUNTER-, PEISE verb. Later assim. to the noun.]
verb trans.
a. Balance in power, quality, or effect; compensate for. LME.
Henry Fielding A weakness which may counterpoise this merit.
b. Balance by a weight on the opposite side or acting in opposition; counterbalance. M16.
W. Harrison One shilling of siluer in those daies did counterpeise our common ounce.
verb intrans. Act as a counterbalance (to, with, against). LME-M16.
T. Norton Such a bitternesse of sorrow..as may in balaunce counterpaise with the trust of pardon.
verb trans. Bring into or keep in equilibrium. LME.
verb trans. & intrans. Consider or ponder carefully. LME-L17.
verb trans. Compare (a thing) with another to ascertain their relative values. L17.
Southey Who in the deceitful scales Of worldly wisdom, dare to counterpoise The right with the expedient.