Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Biases"

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Bias \Bi"as\ (b[imac]"as), n.; pl. {Biases} (-[e^]z). [F.
biasis, perh. fr. LL. bifax two-faced; L. bis + facies face.
See {Bi-}, and cf. {Face}.]
1. A weight on the side of the ball used in the game of
bowls, or a tendency imparted to the ball, which turns it
from a straight line.

Being ignorant that there is a concealed bias within
the spheroid, which will . . . swerve away. --Sir W.
Scott.

2. A leaning of the mind; propensity or prepossession toward
an object or view, not leaving the mind indifferent; bent;
inclination.

Strong love is a bias upon the thoughts. --South.

Morality influences men's lives, and gives a bias to
all their actions. --Locke.

3. A wedge-shaped piece of cloth taken out of a garment (as
the waist of a dress) to diminish its circumference.

4. A slant; a diagonal; as, to cut cloth on the bias.

Syn: Prepossession; prejudice; partiality; inclination. See
{Bent}.


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