[COUNTER- 8: cf. COUNTERBALANCE.] The opposite scale (of the balance); fig. in quots.
c. 1645. Howell, Lett., I. I. viii. To compare their University [Leyden] to yours [Oxford], were to cast New-Inne in counterscale with Christ-Church Colledge.
1847. De Quincey, Sp. Mil. Nun, Wks. 1863, III. 4. This little inevitable wreck, when placed in the counter scale to the magnificent purchase of eternal idleness. [Here prob. COUNTER adj.]
