1. [n]  a scale for weighing; depends on pull of gravity
2. [n]  an equivalent counterbalancing weight
3. [n]  (mathematics) an attribute of a shape; exact correspondence of form on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane
4. [n]  harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole (as in a design); "in all perfectly beautiful objects there is found the opposition of one part to another and a reciprocal balance"- John Ruskin
5. [n]  the seventh sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about September 23 to October 22
6. [n]  (astrology) a person who is born while the sun in in Libra
7. [n]  an amount on the credit side of an account
8. [n]  equality of distribution
9. [n]  a state of equilibrium
10. [v]  hold or carry in equilibrium
11. [v]  compute credits and debits of an account
12. [v]  bring into balance or equilibrium; "She has to balance work and her domestic duties"; "balance the two weights"
13. [v]  be in equilibrium; "He was balancing on one foot"

Balance
Description not available.

more details ...

1. \Bal"ance\, n. [OE. balaunce, F. balance, fr. L. bilan?,
   bilancis, having two scales; bis twice (akin to E. two) +
   lanx plate, scale.]
   1. An apparatus for weighing.
   Note: In its simplest form, a balance consists of a beam or
         lever supported exactly in the middle, having two
         scales or basins of equal weight suspended from its
         extremities. Another form is that of the Roman balance,
         our steelyard, consisting of a lever or beam, suspended
         near one of its extremities, on the longer arm of which
         a counterpoise slides. The name is also given to other
         forms of apparatus for weighing bodies, as to the
         combinations of levers making up platform scales; and
         even to devices for weighing by the elasticity of a
         spring.
   2. Act of weighing mentally; comparison; estimate.
            A fair balance of the advantages on either side.
                                                  --Atterbury.
   3. Equipoise between the weights in opposite scales.
   4. The state of being in equipoise; equilibrium; even
      adjustment; steadiness.
            And hung a bottle on each side To make his balance
            true.                                 --Cowper.
            The order and balance of the country were destroyed.
                                                  --Buckle.
            English workmen completely lose their balance. --J.
                                                  S. Mill.
   5. An equality between the sums total of the two sides of an
      account; as, to bring one's accounts to a balance; --
      also, the excess on either side; as, the balance of an
      account. `` A balance at the banker's. '' --Thackeray.
            I still think the balance of probabilities leans
            towards the account given in the text. --J. Peile.
   6. (Horol.) A balance wheel, as of a watch, or clock. See
      {Balance wheel} (in the Vocabulary).
   7. (Astron.)
      (a) The constellation Libra.
      (b) The seventh sign in the Zodiac, called Libra, which
          the sun enters at the equinox in September.
   8. A movement in dancing. See {Balance}, v. i., S.
   {Balance electrometer}, a kind of balance, with a poised
      beam, which indicates, by weights suspended from one arm,
      the mutual attraction of oppositely electrified surfaces.
      --Knight.
   {Balance fish}. (Zo["o]l) See {Hammerhead}.
   {Balance knife}, a carving or table knife the handle of which
      overbalances the blade, and so keeps it from contact with
      the table.
   {Balance of power}. (Politics), such an adjustment of power
      among sovereign states that no one state is in a position
      to interfere with the independence of the others;
      international equilibrium; also, the ability ( of a state
      or a third party within a state) to control the relations
      between sovereign states or between dominant parties in a
      state.
   {Balance sheet} (Bookkeeping), a paper showing the balances
      of the open accounts of a business, the debit and credit
      balances footing up equally, if the system of accounts be
      complete and the balances correctly taken.
   {Balance thermometer}, a thermometer mounted as a balance so
      that the movement of the mercurial column changes the
      indication of the tube. With the aid of electrical or
      mechanical devices adapted to it, it is used for the
      automatic regulation of the temperature of rooms warmed
      artificially, and as a fire alarm.
   {Balance of torsion}. See {Torsion Balance}.
   {Balance of trade} (Pol. Econ.), an equilibrium between the
      money values of the exports and imports of a country; or
      more commonly, the amount required on one side or the
      other to make such an equilibrium.
   {Balance valve}, a valve whose surfaces are so arranged that
      the fluid pressure tending to seat, and that tending to
      unseat the valve, are nearly in equilibrium; esp., a
      puppet valve which is made to operate easily by the
      admission of steam to both sides. See {Puppet valve}.
   {Hydrostatic balance}. See under {Hydrostatic}.
   {To lay in balance}, to put up as a pledge or security.
      [Obs.] --Chaucer.
   {To strike a balance}, to find out the difference between the
      debit and credit sides of an account.
   

2. \Bal"ance\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Balanced} (?); p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Balancing} (?).] [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.
   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.
   3. To equal in number, weight, force, or proportion; to
      counterpoise, counterbalance, counteract, or neutralize.
            One expression . . . must check and balance another.
                                                  --Kent.
   4. To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to
      estimate.
            Balance the good and evil of things.  --L'Estrange.
   5. To settle and adjust, as an account; to make two accounts
      equal by paying the difference between them.
            I am very well satisfied that it is not in my power
            to balance accounts with my Maker.    --Addison.
   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.
   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.
   8. (Dancing) To move toward, and then back from,
      reciprocally; as, to balance partners.
   9. (Naut.) To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass;
      as, to balance the boom mainsail.
   {Balanced valve}. See {Balance valve}, under {Balance}, n.
   Syn: To poise; weigh; adjust; counteract; neutralize;
        equalize.
   

3. \Bal"ance\, v. i.
   1. To have equal weight on each side; to be in equipoise; as,
      the scales balance.
   2. To fluctuate between motives which appear of equal force;
      to waver; to hesitate.
            He would not balance or err in the determination of
            his choice.                           --Locke.
   3. (Dancing) To move toward a person or couple, and then
      back.
   

occurs in Lev. 19:36 and Isa. 46:6, as the rendering of the Hebrew _kanch'_, which properly means "a reed" or "a cane," then a rod or beam of a balance. This same word is translated "measuring reed" in Ezek. 40:3,5; 42:16-18. There is another Hebrew word, _mozena'yim_, i.e., "two poisers", also so rendered (Dan. 5:27). The balances as represented on the most ancient Egyptian monuments resemble those now in use. A "pair of balances" is a symbol of justice and fair dealing (Job 31:6; Ps. 62:9; Prov. 11:1). The expression denotes great want and scarcity in Rev. 6:5.