- Balance
- Balance Bal"ance (b[a^]l"ans), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Balanced}
(b[a^]l"anst); p. pr. & vb. n. {Balancing}
(b[a^]l"an*s[i^]ng).] [From {Balance}, n.: cf. F. balancer.]
1. To bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by
adjusting the weights; to weigh in a balance.
[1913 Webster]
2. To support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling; as, to balance a plate on the end of a cane; to balance one's self on a tight rope. [1913 Webster]
3. To equal in number, weight, force, or proportion; to counterpoise, counterbalance, counteract, or neutralize. [1913 Webster]
One expression . . . must check and balance another. --Kent. [1913 Webster]
4. To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate. [1913 Webster]
Balance the good and evil of things. --L'Estrange. [1913 Webster]
5. To settle and adjust, as an account; to make two accounts equal by paying the difference between them. [1913 Webster]
I am very well satisfied that it is not in my power to balance accounts with my Maker. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
6. To make the sums of the debits and credits of an account equal; -- said of an item; as, this payment, or credit, balances the account. [1913 Webster]
7. To arrange accounts in such a way that the sum total of the debits is equal to the sum total of the credits; as, to balance a set of books. [1913 Webster]
8. (Dancing) To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally; as, to balance partners. [1913 Webster]
9. (Naut.) To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass; as, to balance the boom mainsail. [1913 Webster]
{Balanced valve}. See {Balance valve}, under {Balance}, n. [1913 Webster]
Syn: To poise; weigh; adjust; counteract; neutralize; equalize. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
