/ pɔɪzd; NAmE / adjective
1.
[ not before noun ] poised (on, above, over, etc. sth) | poised (to do sth) in a position that is completely still but is ready to move at any moment :
Tina was tense, her hand poised over the telephone.
He stopped writing and looked at me, pen poised.
The cat crouched in the grass, poised to jump.
2.
[ not before noun ] poised (in, on, above, etc. sth) in a position that is balanced but likely to change in one direction or another :
The cup was poised on the edge of the chair.
( figurative )
The world stood poised between peace and war.
3.
[ not before noun ] poised for sth | poised to do sth completely ready for sth or to do sth
SYN set :
The economy is poised for recovery.
Kate is poised to become the highest-paid supermodel in the fashion world.
4.
having a calm and confident manner and in control of your feelings and behaviour :
He is a remarkably poised young man.
SYN assured