\Coun"ter*poise`\ (koun"t?r-poiz`; 277), v. t.
[imp. & p. p. {Counterpoised} (-poizd`); p. pr. & vb. n.
{Counterpoising}.] [OE. countrepesen, counterpeisen, F.
contrepeser. See {Counter}, adv., and {Poise}, v. t. ]
1. To act against with equal weight; to equal in weight; to
   balance the weight of; to counterbalance.
         Weights, 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"t?r-poiz`), n. [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; equilibrium; equiponderance.
         The pendulous round eart, with balanced air, In
         counterpoise.                         --Milton.