poised

adj

1. Possessing poise, having self-confidence.
2. Ready, prepared.

   “He stood there, poised to act, and then suddenly he drew his gun in a smooth arc.”

   “Amir stated that Rabin was a "pursuer" who was poised to spill the blood of many Jews by giving up control over part of the West Bank”

   “A free-kick from Matthew Etherington caused more confusion on the stroke of half-time but Mehmet Aurelio was able to hook the ball clear with Cameron Jerome poised to strike.”

3. Balanced, in position, in equilibrium.

   “The Titanic stands on end, poised briefly for the plunge.”

verb

1. (form-of, participle, past)simple past and past participle of poise