Bias (bī&aitalic_;s), n.; pl. Biases (-&ebreve_;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.
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Being ignorant that there is a concealed bias within the spheroid, which will . . . swerve away. Sir W. Scott.
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2. A leaning of the mind; propensity or prepossession toward an object or view, not leaving the mind indifferent; bent; inclination.
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Strong love is a bias upon the thoughts. South.
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Morality influences men's lives, and gives a bias to all their actions. Locke.
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3. A wedge-shaped piece of cloth taken out of a garment (as the waist of a dress) to diminish its circumference.
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4. A slant; a diagonal; as, to cut cloth on the bias.
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Syn. -- Prepossession; prejudice; partiality; inclination. See Bent.
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Bias, adv. In a slanting manner; crosswise; obliquely; diagonally; as, to cut cloth bias.
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