overpoise

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   That which outweighs

   That which outweighs; excessive weight.

   • And I hope, the known avowed use and experience of such great Men, and those in so great a number, is an abundant overpoise to the contrary Affirmation of this, or any other Novel Author whatsoever.
   • I recognised The moths, with that great overpoise of wings Which makes a mystery of them how at all They can stop flying: […]
2. 2

   To exceed in importance, strength or value.

   • To render a thing fit for rational belief, there is no more requir’d but that the motives for it do over-poise those against it […]
   • 1791, William Cowper (translator), The Iliad, Book 1, lines 710-711, in The Works of William Cowper, London: Baldwin and Cradock, 1837, Volume 11, p. 26, […] thus we speed Ever, when evil overpoises good.
3. 3

   To place excessive weight on (someone or something).

   • Tis time [f]or me to stirre when such young boyes, Shal haue their weake neckes ouer poisd with crownes
4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      To throw (someone or something) off balance.

      • […] the Stone in my Fathers Body was so immense, that I’ve wonder’d it did not bunch up behind, and make him have a Hump-back, or at least overpoise him in walking, and drag him backward with its incredible weight.
      • […] Harry, perceiving his Instructor a little overpoised, suddenly gave him an inside Foot, and a Push at the same Instant toward the Part to which he inclined.

The neighborhood