bias sb. (all the uses are derived from bowls)
1.
one-sided form of the bowl which gives an oblique
motion to it; in fig. phrase “against the bias”
Shr. IV. v. 25, R2 III. iv. 5; “assays of bias,” indirect attempts
Ham. II. i. 65.
2.
fig. swaying
influence John II. i. 574, &c.
3.
preponderating
tendency, bent
Tw.N. V. i. 270
“nature to her bias
drew”
; LLL. IV. ii. 114, Pilgr.
v. 5 [61] (‘the student
leaves his special study’).