Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Bias
Bi′as
(bī′as)
, Noun.
pl.
Biases
(-ĕz)
. 1.
A weight on the side of the ball used in the game of bowls, or a tendency imparted to the ball, which turns it from a straight line.
Being ignorant that there is a concealed
bias
within the spheroid, which will . . . swerve away. Sir W. Scott.
2.
A leaning of the mind; propensity or prepossession toward an object or view, not leaving the mind indifferent; bent; inclination.
Strong love is a
bias
upon the thoughts. South.
Morality influences men’s lives, and gives a
bias
to all their actions. Locke.
3.
A wedge-shaped piece of cloth taken out of a garment (as the waist of a dress) to diminish its circumference.
4.
A slant; a diagonal;
as, to cut cloth on the
. bias
Syn. – Prepossession; prejudice; partiality; inclination. See
Bent
. Bi′as
,Adj.
1.
Inclined to one side; swelled on one side.
[Obs.]
Shak.
2.
Cut slanting or diagonally, as cloth.
Bi′as
,adv.
In a slanting manner; crosswise; obliquely; diagonally;
as, to cut cloth
. bias
Bi′as
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Biased
(bī′ast)
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Biasing
.] To incline to one side; to give a particular direction to; to influence; to prejudice; to prepossess.
Me it had not
biased
in the one direction, nor should it have biased
any just critic in the counter direction. De Quincey.
Webster 1828 Edition
Bias
BI'AS
,Noun.
1.
A weight on the side of a bowl which turns it from a straight line.2.
A leaning of the mind; inclination; prepossession; propensity towards an object, not leaving the mind indifferent; as, education gives a bias to the mind.3.
That which causes the mind to lean or incline from a state of indifference, to a particular object or course.BI'AS
,Verb.
T.
This word is used by Shakespeare as an adverb, bias and thwart,i.e. aslope; and as an adjective.
Blow till they bias cheek
Outswell the cholic of puft Aquilon.