Countervail

verb

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To have the same value or number as. obsolete

    "Nay could their numbers counteruaile the ſtars Or [euer] driſling drops of April ſhowers, Or withered leaues that Autume ſhaketh down, Yet would the Souldane by his conquering power: So ſcatter and conſume them in his rage, That not a man ſhal liue to rue their fall."

  2. 2
    oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions wordnet
  3. 3
    To counter, counteract, counterbalance, neutralize, or negate.

    "It cannot counteruaile the exchange of joy / That one ſhort minute giues me in her ſight:"

  4. 4
    compensate for or counterbalance wordnet
  5. 5
    To compensate for.

    "I am one of those who thinke their fruit can no way countervaile this losse."

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman countrevaloir (Old French contrevaloir), from Latin contrā valēre (“to be strong against”).

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