from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Bloat \Bloat\ (bl[=o]t), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Bloated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Bloating}.] [Cf. Icel. blotna to become soft, blautr
soft, wet, Sw. bl["o]t soft, bl["o]ta to soak; akin to G.
bloss bare, and AS. ble['a]t wretched; or perh. fr. root of
Eng. 5th blow. Cf. {Blote}.]
1. To make turgid, as with water or air; to cause a swelling
of the surface of, from effusion of serum in the cellular
tissue, producing a morbid enlargement, often accompanied
with softness.
[1913 Webster]
2. To inflate; to puff up; to make vain. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]