1. holds or carries in a balanced, steady way
2. prepares to do something; gets ready to act

1. plural of poise; instances of balanced composure or graceful bearing

Examples

• She poises the pen above the paper before signing.
• The dancer poises herself on one foot.
• He poises to strike the ball with his racket.
• The cat poises to pounce on the mouse.
• The gymnast poises on the balance beam.
• She poises her hand over the keyboard.
• The different poises of the models impressed the photographer.