from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Breath \Breath\ (br[e^]th), n. [OE. breth, breeth, AS.
br[=ae][eth] odor, scent, breath; cf. OHG. br[=a]dam steam,
vapor, breath, G. brodem, and possibly E. {Brawn}, and
{Breed}.]
1. The air inhaled and exhaled in respiration; air which, in
the process of respiration, has parted with oxygen and has
received carbonic acid, aqueous vapor, warmth, etc.
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Melted as breath into the wind. --Shak.
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2. The act of breathing naturally or freely; the power or
capacity to breathe freely; as, I am out of breath.
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3. The power of respiration, and hence, life. --Hood.
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Thou takest away their breath, they die. --Ps. civ.
29.
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4. Time to breathe; respite; pause.
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Give me some breath, some little pause. --Shak.
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5. A single respiration, or the time of making it; a single
act; an instant.
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He smiles and he frowns in a breath. --Dryden.
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6. Fig.: That which gives or strengthens life.
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The earthquake voice of victory,
To thee the breath of life. --Byron.
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7. A single word; the slightest effort; a trifle.
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A breath can make them, as a breath has made.
--Goldsmith.
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8. A very slight breeze; air in gentle motion.
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Calm and unruffled as a summer's sea,
when not a breath of wind flies o'er its surface.
--Addison.
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9. Fragrance; exhalation; odor; perfume. --Tennison.
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The breath of flowers. --Bacon.
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10. Gentle exercise, causing a quicker respiration.
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An after dinner's breath. --Shak.
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{Out of breath}, breathless, exhausted; breathing with
difficulty.
{Under one's breath}, in low tones.
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