an apparatus for weighing.-act of weighing mentally; comparison; estimate.-equipoise between the weights in opposite scales.-the state of being in equipoise; equilibrium; even adjustment; steadiness.-an equality between the sums total of the two sides of an account; as, to bring one's accounts to a balance; -- also, the excess on either side; as, the balance of an account.-a balance wheel, as of a watch, or clock. see balance wheel (in the vocabulary).-the constellation libra.-the seventh sign in the zodiac, called libra, which the sun enters at the equinox in september.-a movement in dancing. see balance, v. i., s.-to bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights; to weigh in a balance.-to support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling; as, to balance a plate on the end of a cane; to balance one's self on a tight rope.-to equal in number, weight, force, or proportion; to counterpoise, counterbalance, counteract, or neutralize.-to compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.-to settle and adjust, as an account; to make two accounts equal by paying the difference between them.-to make the sums of the debits and credits of an account equal; -- said of an item; as, this payment, or credit, balances the account.-to arrange accounts in such a way that the sum total of the debits is equal to the sum total of the credits; as, to balance a set of books.-to move toward, and then back from, reciprocally; as, to balance partners.-to contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass; as, to balance the boom mainsail.-to have equal weight on each side; to be in equipoise; as, the scales balance.-to fluctuate between motives which appear of equal force; to waver; to hesitate.-to move toward a person or couple, and then back.