poised

• IPA^(key): /pɔɪzd/
• Rhymes: -ɔɪzd

poised (comparative more poised, superlative most poised)

1. Possessing poise, having self-confidence.

   Synonym: unruffled

2. Ready, prepared.

   He stood there, poised to act, and then suddenly he drew his gun in a smooth arc.

   • 2000, David Golinkin, “The Assassination Of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin Z"L”, in Responsa in a Moment, volume 3, page 89:

     Amir stated that Rabin was a "pursuer" who was poised to spill the blood of many Jews by giving up control over part of the West Bank

   • 2011 September 29, Tom Rostance, “Stoke 2 - 1 Besiktas”, in BBC Sport‎^[1]:

     A free-kick from Matthew Etherington caused more confusion on the stroke of half-time but Mehmet Aurelio was able to hook the ball clear with Cameron Jerome poised to strike.

3. Balanced, in position, in equilibrium.
   • 1934 January, Hanson W[eightman] Baldwin, “R. M. S. Titanic”, in Harper’s Magazine, volume 168, New York, N.Y.: Harper & Brothers, section II, page 176, column 2:

     The Titanic stands on end, poised briefly for the plunge.

poised

1. simple past and past participle of poise

• posied