Dictionary
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Balance
() 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.
Balance
() A balance wheel, as of a watch, or clock. See Balance wheel (in the Vocabulary).
Balance
() The constellation Libra.
Balance
() The seventh sign in the Zodiac, called Libra, which the sun enters at the equinox in September.
Balance
() A movement in dancing. See Balance, v. i., S.
Balanced
() of Balance
Balancing
() of Balance
Balance
() To bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights; to weigh in a balance.
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.
Balance
() To equal in number, weight, force, or proportion; to counterpoise, counterbalance, counteract, or neutralize.
Balance
() To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
Balance
() To settle and adjust, as an account; to make two accounts equal by paying the difference between them.
Balance
() 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.
Balance
() 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.
Balance
() To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally; as, to balance partners.
Balance
() To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass; as, to balance the boom mainsail.
Balance
() To have equal weight on each side; to be in equipoise; as, the scales balance.
Balance
() To fluctuate between motives which appear of equal force; to waver; to hesitate.
Balance
() To move toward a person or couple, and then back.
Balanceable
() Such as can be balanced.
Balancement
() The act or result of balancing or adjusting; equipoise; even adjustment of forces.
Balancer
() One who balances, or uses a balance.
Balancer
() In Diptera, the rudimentary posterior wing.
Balancereef
() The last reef in a fore-and-aft sail, taken to steady the ship.
Balance wheel
() A wheel which regulates the beats or pulses of a watch or chronometer, answering to the pendulum of a clock; -- often called simply a balance.
Balance wheel
() A ratchet-shaped scape wheel, which in some watches is acted upon by the axis of the balance wheel proper (in those watches called a balance).
Balance wheel
() A wheel which imparts regularity to the movements of any engine or machine; a fly wheel.
Balaniferous
() Bearing or producing acorns.
Balanite
() A fossil balanoid shell.
Balanoglossus
() A peculiar marine worm. See Enteropneusta, and Tornaria.
Balanoid
() Resembling an acorn; -- applied to a group of barnacles having shells shaped like acorns. See Acornshell, and Barnacle.
Balas ruby
() A variety of spinel ruby, of a pale rose red, or inclining to orange. See Spinel.
Balaustine
() The pomegranate tree (Punica granatum). The bark of the root, the rind of the fruit, and the flowers are used medicinally.
Balbutiate
() Alt. of Balbucinate
Balbucinate
() To stammer.
Balbuties
() The defect of stammering; also, a kind of incomplete pronunciation.
Balcon
() A balcony.
Balconied
() Having balconies.
Balconies
() of Balcony
Balcony
() A platform projecting from the wall of a building, usually resting on brackets or consoles, and inclosed by a parapet; as, a balcony in front of a window. Also, a projecting gallery in places of amusement; as, the balcony in a theater.
Balcony
() A projecting gallery once common at the stern of large ships.
Bald
() Destitute of the natural or common covering on the head or top, as of hair, feathers, foliage, trees, etc.; as, a bald head; a bald oak.
Bald
() Destitute of ornament; unadorned; bare; literal.
Bald
() Undisguised.
Bald
() Destitute of dignity or value; paltry; mean.
Bald
() Destitute of a beard or awn; as, bald wheat.
Bald
() Destitute of the natural covering.
Bald
() Marked with a white spot on the head; bald-faced.
Baldachin
() A rich brocade; baudekin.
Baldachin
() A structure in form of a canopy, sometimes supported by columns, and sometimes suspended from the roof or projecting from the wall; generally placed over an altar; as, the baldachin in St. Peter's.