Definitions for: Bias


[n] a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
[n] a line or cut across a fabric that is not at right angles to a side
[adj] slanting diagonally across the grain of a fabric; "a bias fold"
[v] cause to be biased
[v] influence in an unfair way; "you are biasing my choice by telling me yours"



Webster (1913) Definition: Bi"as (b[imac]"as), n.; pl. Biases (-[e^]z). [F.
biasis, perh. fr. LL. bifax two-faced; L. bis + facies face.
See Bi-, and cf. Face.]
1. 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. A leaning 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. A wedge-shaped piece of cloth taken out of a garment (as
the waist of a dress) to diminish its circumference.

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

Syn: Prepossession; prejudice; partiality; inclination. See
Bent.


Bi"as, a.
1. Inclined to one side; swelled on one side. [Obs.] --Shak.

2. Cut slanting or diagonally, as cloth.


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


Bi"as, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Biased (b[imac]"ast); p. pr.
& vb. n. Biasing.]
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.

Synonyms: diagonal, oblique, preconception, predetermine, prejudice

See Also: angle, experimenter bias, handicap, homophobia, irrational hostility, partiality, partisanship, prejudice, prejudice, prepossess, prepossess, racism, slant, straight line, taboo, tabu, tendentiousness, weight

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