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. To equal in number, weight, force, or proportion; to
counterpoise, counterbalance, counteract, or neutralize.
One expression . . . must check and balance another.
--Kent.
4. To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to
estimate.
Balance the good and evil of things. --L'Estrange.
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. 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. 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. (Dancing) To move toward, and then back from,
reciprocally; as, to balance partners.
9. (Naut.) To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass;
as, to balance the boom mainsail.
{Balanced valve}. See {Balance valve}, under {Balance}, n.
Syn: To poise; weigh; adjust; counteract; neutralize;
equalize.