I.inclination downwards, the sinking of the scale, Aesch.; διαφέρειν τὴν ῥ. to disturb the balance, Plut.
2.metaph. the turn of the scale, the critical moment, Lat. momentum, ἔχεται ῥοπᾶς (sc. ἡ πόλις) is at a crisis of her fortunes, Alcae. ap. Ar.; ῥ. Δίκας the balance or critical turn of Justice, Aesch.; σμικρὰ παλαιὰ σώματ᾽ εὐνάζει ῥοπή a slight turn of the scale lays aged bodies to rest, Soph.; ἐπὶ σμικρᾶς ῥοπῆς dependent on a slight turn of the scale, of one dying, Eur.; ἐπὶ ῥοπῆς μιᾶς ὄντες depending on a single turn of the scale, Thuc.; ῥ. βίου the turning point of life, i. e. death, Soph.
II.metaph. influence, Dem.