ETYM Old Eng. balaunce, French balance, from Latin bilanx, bilancis, having two scales; bis twice (akin to Eng. two) + lanx plate, scale.
1. A scale for weighing; depends on pull of gravity.
2. A state of equilibrium.
3. Equality of distribution; SYN. equilibrium, equipoise, counterbalance.
Apparatus for weighing or measuring mass. The various types include the beam balance consisting of a centrally pivoted lever with pans hanging from each end, and the spring balance, in which the object to be weighed stretches (or compresses) a vertical coil spring fitted with a pointer that indicates the weight on a scale. Kitchen and bathroom scales are balances.

An amount on the credit side of an account.

1. To be in equilibrium.
2. To bring into balance or equilibrium; SYN. equilibrate, equilibrize.
3. To compute credits and debits of an account.