poise

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   A state of balance, equilibrium or stability.
2. 2
   Composure; freedom from embarrassment or affectation.
3. 3
   Mien; bearing or deportment of the head or body.
4. 4
   A condition of hovering, or being suspended.
5. 5
   A CGS unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimetre.
6. 6
   Weight; an amount of weight, the amount something weighs.
7. 7
   The weight, or mass of metal, used in weighing, to balance the substance weighed.
8. 8
   That which causes a balance; a counterweight.
9. 9
   Unit of viscosity in the centimetre–gram–second system of units (CGS).

Verb

1. 1
   To hang in equilibrium; to be balanced or suspended; hence, to be in suspense or doubt.
2. 2
   To counterpoise; to counterbalance.
3. 3
   To be of a given weight; to weigh.
4. 4
   To add weight to, to weigh down.
5. 5
   To hold (something) with or against something else in equilibrium; to balance, counterpose.
6. 6
   To hold (something) in equilibrium, to hold balanced and ready; to carry (something) ready to be used.
7. 7
   To keep (something) in equilibrium; to hold suspended or balanced.
8. 8
   To ascertain, as if by balancing; to weigh.