from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Breather \Breath"er\, n.
1. One who breathes. Hence:
(a) One who lives.
(b) One who utters.
(c) One who animates or inspires.
[1913 Webster]
2. That which puts one out of breath, as violent exercise.
[Colloq.]
[1913 Webster]
3. a pause to catch one's breath, or for some other form of
rest or refreshment; -- often used in the phrase
{to take a breather}, i.e. to pause for refreshment.
[Colloq.]
[PJC]
4. a vent in a container to allow equalization of internal
and external pressure.
[PJC]
5. an air intake pipe to provide air to machinery or people
submerged or otherwise sealed off from the outside.
[PJC]