Countervail \Coun"ter*vail`\ (koun"t?r-v?l`), n. Power or value sufficient to obviate any effect; equal weight, strength, or value; equivalent; compensation; requital. [Obs.] Surely, the present pleasure of a sinful act is a poor countervail for the bitterness of the review. --South. web1913
countervail v 1: compensate for or counterbalance; "offset deposits and withdrawals" [syn: {offset}] 2: oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions; "This will counteract the foolish actions of my colleagues" [syn: {counteract}, {neutralize}, {counterbalance}] wn