COUNTERPOISE

counterweight, counterbalance, counterpoise, balance, equalizer, equaliser

(noun) a weight that balances another weight

counterweight, counterpoise, counterpose

(verb) constitute a counterweight or counterbalance to

Source: WordNet® 3.1

---

Etymology

Noun

counterpoise (plural counterpoises)

A weight sufficient to balance another, for example in the opposite end of scales; an equal weight.

An equal power or force acting in opposition; a force sufficient to balance another force.

The relation of two weights or forces which balance each other; equilibrium

Synonym: equiponderance

Verb

counterpoise (third-person singular simple present counterpoises, present participle counterpoising, simple past and past participle counterpoised)

To act against with equal weight; to equal in weight; to balance the weight of; to counterbalance.

To act against with equal power; to balance.

Source: Wiktionary

---

Coun"ter*poise` (koun"tr-poiz`; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Counterpoised (-poizd`); p. pr. & vb. n. Counterpoising.] Etym: [OE. countrepesen, counterpeisen, F. contrepeser. See Counter, adv., and Poise, v. t. ]

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` (koun"tr-poiz`), n. Etym: [OE. countrepese, OF. contrepois, F. contrepods. See Counter, adv., and Poise, n.]

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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

---