BIAS

n. a. adv. v.

8 definitions — Webster’s Dictionary (1828)


1.
n.

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.
n.

A learning 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.
n.

A wedge-shaped piece of cloth taken out of a garment (as the waist of a dress) to diminish its circumference.

4.
n.

A slant; a diagonal; as, to cut cloth on the bias.

5.
a.

Inclined to one side; swelled on one side. [Obs.] Shak.

6.
a.

Cut slanting or diagonally, as cloth.

7.
adv.

In a slanting manner; crosswise; obliquely; diagonally; as, to cut cloth bias.

8.
v.

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.