poise

prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult

great coolness and composure under strain

hold or carry in equilibrium

a cgs unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimeter; the viscosity of a fluid in which a force of one dyne per square centimeter maintains a velocity of 1 centimeter per second

a state of being balanced in a stable equilibrium

be motionless, in suspension

“The bird poised for a few moments before it attacked”

cause to be balanced or suspended