noun

1. balance; stability
2. ease and dignity of manner; self-assurance; composure
3. the condition of being calm or serene
4. carriage; bearing, as of the body or head
5. Now Rare
   1. a suspension of activity in a condition of balance
   2. suspense; irresolution; indecision

Etymology: ME pois, weight < OFr < VL *pesum < L pensum, something weighed < pendere, to weigh: see pendant

transitive verb poised, poising pois′·ing

1. to balance; keep steady
2. to suspend: usually passive or reflexive
3. Rare to weigh

Etymology: ME poisen < OFr poiser < peise, inflected form of peser, to weigh < VL pesare < L pensare, to weigh out < pensus, pp. of pendere

intransitive verb

1. to be suspended or balanced
2. to hover