/poyzd/ , adj.
1. (of a person) composed, dignified, and self-assured.
2. being in balance or equilibrium: a balloon poised on the nose of a seal.
3. teetering or wavering: to be poised on the brink of disaster.
4. hovering or suspended in or as in midair: a bird poised in flight; a helicopter poised overhead.
[ 1635-45; POISE 1 + -ED 2 , -ED 3 ]