poise
noun
a dignified, self-confident manner or bearing; composure; self-possession.
was poising
-
past progressiveof poise.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Just as she was poising herself for another effort, her eye reached the side of the room where Keith stood just beside Miss Huntington.
From Gordon Keith by Thomas Nelson Page
Wally threw his head back and uttered a roar of appreciation which caused a luncher at a neighboring table to drop an oyster which he was poising in mid-air.
From The Little Warrior by P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
The referee was poising his whistle and looking at his watch, ready to blow the signal that marked the end of play.
From Bert Wilson on the Gridiron by J. W. Duffield
At the critical instant, when the entire weight of the forward half of the engine was poising for the drop upon the rails, he gave the precise added impulse.
From A Fool for Love by Francis Lynde
Gordon, who was poising himself for another shot, paused amazed in the midst of his aim, open-mouthed and wide-eyed.
From Gordon Keith by Thomas Nelson Page
