Bi·as n.; pl. Biases
 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.