I. ˈekwəˌpȯiz, ˈēk- noun
Etymology: equi- + poise
1. : a state of equilibrium or balance
weights in equipoise
an equipoise of social classes
the adventure … upset the equipoise of his sensitive nature — James Joyce
2. : counterbalance
the aristocracy served as an equipoise to the clergy
Synonyms: see balance
II. transitive verb
1. : to serve as an equipoise to
an opposition that nearly equipoised the party in power
2. : to put or hold in equipoise
an effort to equipoise the opposing interests of the two groups