Meaning

noun a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation

noun a line or cut across a fabric that is not at right angles to a side of the fabric

verb influence in an unfair way

originc. 1520 in the sense "oblique line". As a technical term in the game of bowls c. 1560, whence the figurative use (c. 1570). From Middle French biais, adverbially ("sideways, askance, against the grain") c. 1250, as a noun ("oblique angle, slant") from the late 16th century. The French word is likely from Old Occitan biais, itself of obscure origin, most likely from Vulgar Latin *biaxius (“with…

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 3.0