n. & v.
n. 1 (often foll. by towards, against) a predisposition or prejudice. 2 Statistics a systematic distortion of a statistical result due to a factor not allowed for in its derivation. 3 an edge cut obliquely across the weave of a fabric. 4 Sport a the irregular shape given to a bowl. b the oblique course this causes it to run. 5 Electr. a steady voltage, magnetic field, etc., applied to an electronic system or device.
v.tr. (biased, biasing; biassed, biassing) 1 (esp. as biased adj.) influence (usu. unfairly); prejudice. 2 give a bias to. bias binding a strip of fabric cut obliquely and used to bind edges. on the bias obliquely, diagonally.
[ F biais, of unkn. orig. ]