[COUNTER- 8: cf. prec. and COUNTERPOISE sb.] A weight in the opposite scale, a counterbalancing weight, a counterpoise.
1693. Lond. Gaz., No. 2837/4. Lines, Pullies, and Counterweights.
1710. Norris, Chr. Prud., v. 216. However it may be outweigh’d … by a Counterweight in the prevailing Scale.
1794. G. Adams, Nat. & Exp. Philos., I. iii. 78. As soon as the counter-weight was taken off … the spring exerted its power.
1879. Cassell’s Techn. Educ., IV. 394/2. The telescope is balanced by counter-weights suspended by chains.
b. fig.
1768–74. Tucker, Lt. Nat. (1852), I. 64. They attribute [to the Will] a power of controlling desire, without aid of any counter-weight whatsoever.
1845. Maurice, Mor. & Met. Philos., in Encycl. Metrop., 662/1. Physical studies as a counter-weight … to theology.
