If an object or a part of your body is poised, it is completely still but ready to move at any moment: My pencil was poised over the page, ready to take down her words. [ after verb ] ready to do a particular thing at any moment: [ + to infinitive ] The company is poised to launch its new advertising campaign.

not used before a noun : not moving but ready to move The actors were poised on the stage, ready for the curtain to come up. She held the pencil poised over/above the paper. 2 not used before a noun : ready or prepared for something The company is poised for success. She seemed poised to take on the leadership of the country.

adjective (of a person) composed, dignified, and self-assured. being in balance or equilibrium: a ball poised on the nose of a seal. teetering or wavering: to be poised on the brink of disaster. hovering or suspended in or as in midair: a bird poised in flight; a helicopter poised overhead.