Defn: To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass; as, to balance the boom mainsail. Balanced valve. See Balance valve, under Balance, n.

Syn.
— To poise; weigh; adjust; counteract; neutralize; equalize.

BALANCE
Bal"ance, v. i.

1. To have equal weight on each side; to be in equipoise; as, the scales balance.

2. To fluctuate between motives which appear of equal force; to
waver; to hesitate.
He would not balance or err in the determination of his choice.
Locke.

3. (Dancing)

Defn: To move toward a person or couple, and then back.

BALANCEABLE
Bal"ance*a*ble, a.

Defn: Such as can be balanced.

BALANCEMENT
Bal"ance*ment, n.