n. & v.
n. 1 composure or self-possession of manner. 2 equilibrium; a stable state. 3 carriage (of the head etc.).
v. 1 tr. balance; hold suspended or supported. 2 tr. carry (one's head etc. in a specified way). 3 intr. be balanced; hover in the air etc.
[ ME f. OF pois, peis, peser ult. f. L pensum weight f. pendere pens- weigh ]