poising

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

transitive verb poised, poising

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

intransitive verb

1. to be suspended or balanced
2. to hover