poise

Noun

• great coolness and composure under strain
  • keep your cool
    

• a state of being balanced in a stable 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

Verb

• hold or carry in equilibrium

• cause to be balanced or suspended

• prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult

• be motionless, in suspension
  • The bird poised for a few moments before it attacked
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  aplomb , assuredness , cool , sang-froid , balance , brace