Meaning

(chiefly figurative) That which outweighs; excessive weight..

Definitions by Sense

1. (chiefly figurative) That which outweighs; excessive weight.
2. (obsolete) To exceed in importance, strength or value.
3. (obsolete) To place excessive weight on (someone or something).
4. (obsolete) To throw (someone or something) off balance.

Example Sentences

And I hope, the known avowed use and experience of such great Men, and those in so great a number, is an abundant overpoise to the contrary Affirmation of this, or any other Novel Author whatsoever.

I recognised The moths, with that great overpoise of wings Which makes a mystery of them how at all They can stop flying: […]

Without swallowing whole all the warnings one could readily hear and read about the spiritual dangers of intellectual arrogance and literary freebooting, there was menace in the overpoise that high education and a rich way of living could confer on a young girl. Unknowingly, she could exceed her own strength.

1587, Raphael Holinshed et al., Holinshed's Chronicles, London: John Harrison et al., Volume 2, “A Treatise conteining a plaine and perfect description of Ireland,” p. 36, But sith it pleased your maiestie, with so indifferent balance to ponder both our tales, I am throughlie persuaded, that my loiall innocencie shall be able, to ouerpoise his forged treacherie.

1791, William Cowper (translator), The Iliad, Book 1, lines 710-711, in The Works of William Cowper, London: Baldwin and Cradock, 1837, Volume 11, p. 26, […] thus we speed Ever, when evil overpoises good.

To render a thing fit for rational belief, there is no more requir’d but that the motives for it do over-poise those against it […]

1658, Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia Epidemica, London: N. Ekins, 3rd edition, Book 4, Chapter 6, p. 168, Whether cripples and mutilated persons, who have lost the greatest part of their thighs, will not sink but float, their lungs being abler to waft up their bodies, which are in others overpoised by the hinder legs, we have not made experiment.

Tis time [f]or me to stirre when such young boyes, Shal haue their weake neckes ouer poisd with crownes

Word Forms

• overpoises
• overpoising
• overpoised

Synonyms for overpoise

Related Words

When Should You Use Overpoise?

Use overpoise when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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