1. Marked by balance or equilibrium and readiness for action
   "a gull in poised flight"; "George's poised hammer"
    
2. In full control of your faculties
   "perfectly poised and sure of himself";
   - collected, equanimous, self-collected, self-contained, self-possessed

1. Hold or carry in equilibrium
   "The waiter poised the tray on his fingertips";
   - balance
    
2. Cause to be balanced or suspended
   "The sculptor poised the mobile perfectly"
    
3. Be motionless, in suspension
   "The bird poised for a few moments before it attacked"
    
4. Prepare (oneself), often but not necessarily for something unpleasant or difficult
   "She poised herself before entering the interview room";
   - brace

See also: balanced, composed

Type of: bear, carry, fix, gear up, hold, hover, lay, place, pose, position, prepare, put, ready, set, set up

Encyclopedia: Poise