BALANCE

Definitions

1. 1. To bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights; to weigh in a balance.
2. 2. 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.
3. 3. To equal in number, weight, force, or proportion; to counterpoise, counterbalance, counteract, or neutralize. One expression . . . must check and balance another. Kent.
4. 4. To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate. Balance the good and evil of things. L'Estrange.
5. 5. To settle and adjust, as an account; to make two accounts equal by paying the difference between them. I am very well satisfied that it is not in my power to balance accounts with my Maker. Addison.
6. 6. 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.
7. 7. 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.
8. 8. To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally; as, to balance partners.
9. 9. To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass; as, to balance the boom mainsail. Balanced valve. See Balance valve, under Balance, n.