Occurs in Leviticus 19:36 and Isaiah 46:6, as the rendering of the Hebrew kanch', which properly means "a reed" or "a cane," then a rod or beam of a balance. This same word is translated "measuring reed" in Ezek. 40:3,5; 42:16-18. There is another Hebrew word, mozena'yim, i.e., "two poisers", also so rendered (Dan. 5:27). The balances as represented on the most ancient Egyptian monuments resemble those now in use. A "pair of balances" is a symbol of justice and fair dealing (Job 31:6; Psalm 62:9; Proverbs 11:1). The expression denotes great want and scarcity in Revelation 6:5.

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) An apparatus for weighing.

2. (n.) Act of weighing mentally; comparison; estimate.

3. (n.) Equipoise between the weights in opposite scales.

4. (n.) The state of being in equipoise; equilibrium; even adjustment; steadiness.

5. (n.) An equality between the sums total of the two sides of an account; as, to bring one's accounts to a balance; -- also, the excess on either side; as, the balance of an account.

6. (n.) A balance wheel, as of a watch, or clock. See Balance wheel (in the Vocabulary).

7. (n.) The constellation Libra.

8. (n.) The seventh sign in the Zodiac, called Libra, which the sun enters at the equinox in September.

9. (n.) A movement in dancing. See Balance, v. i., S.

10. (n.) To bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights; to weigh in a balance.

11. (n.) To support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling; as, to balance a plate on the end of a cane; to balance one's self on a tight rope.

12. (n.) To equal in number, weight, force, or proportion; to counterpoise, counterbalance, counteract, or neutralize.

13. (n.) To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.

14. (n.) To settle and adjust, as an account; to make two accounts equal by paying the difference between them.

15. (n.) To make the sums of the debits and credits of an account equal; -- said of an item; as, this payment, or credit, balances the account.

16. (n.) To arrange accounts in such a way that the sum total of the debits is equal to the sum total of the credits; as, to balance a set of books.

17. (n.) To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally; as, to balance partners.

18. (n.) To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass; as, to balance the boom mainsail.

19. (v. i.) To have equal weight on each side; to be in equipoise; as, the scales balance.

20. (v. i.) To fluctuate between motives which appear of equal force; to waver; to hesitate.

21. (v. i.) To move toward a person or couple, and then back.