Balance

The constellation and zodiacal sign Libra.

Proper noun

  1. The constellation and zodiacal sign Libra.
    • Libra, or the Balance holdeth in the Navel, the Reins, and the lower parts of the Womb. - 1668, ‘Godfridus’, The Knowledge of Things Unknown, London: G.P. for G. Sawbridge, page 20:
    • The Balance shows redemption’s need; The Scorpion wounds He must endure; The Archer tells His coming sure; The Goat, His death in sacrifice[.] - 1862, [Frances Rolleston], Mazzaroth, or, The Constellations: Part III,...
    • The Balance, we have been told, "marks the equality of the days and nights at the equinoxes." Possibly; but the Balance is just the one sign not truly archaic, and I think we shall find that quite another class of...

Origin

Calque of Latin Libra.

Forms

the Balance