poise
noun
a dignified, self-confident manner or bearing; composure; self-possession.
were 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.
Frank Scherman had said, coming up to her, as she and her friend Dakie, a little apart from the others, were poising among some loose pebbles.
From A Summer in Leslie Goldthwaite's Life. by A. D. T. (Adeline Dutton Train) Whitney
Sometimes a hawk would linger on the edge, as it were, poising himself on his wings but a few feet above the ridge, as if glorying in defiance of the depth below.
From World's End A Story in Three Books by Richard Jefferies
Two men were poising their rifles, bringing them to bear upon the bird.
From The Scalp Hunters by F.A. Stewart
At the very moment when they were poising their spears, the relief party arrived.
From The Explorers of Australia and their Life-work by Ernest Favenc
Now Marvin was calling his signals, the Brimfield forwards were poising themselves for the assault, and Clint, hands on the ground, feet apart, head up, was watching every movement of his opponent.
From Left Tackle Thayer by Ralph Henry Barbour
