Breath

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. [1913 Webster]

Melted as breath into the wind. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2. The act of breathing naturally or freely; the power or capacity to breathe freely; as, I am out of breath. [1913 Webster]

3. The power of respiration, and hence, life. --Hood. [1913 Webster]

Thou takest away their breath, they die. --Ps. civ. 29. [1913 Webster]

4. Time to breathe; respite; pause. [1913 Webster]

Give me some breath, some little pause. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

5. A single respiration, or the time of making it; a single act; an instant. [1913 Webster]

He smiles and he frowns in a breath. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

6. Fig.: That which gives or strengthens life. [1913 Webster]

The earthquake voice of victory, To thee the breath of life. --Byron. [1913 Webster]

7. A single word; the slightest effort; a trifle. [1913 Webster]

A breath can make them, as a breath has made. --Goldsmith. [1913 Webster]

8. A very slight breeze; air in gentle motion. [1913 Webster]

Calm and unruffled as a summer's sea, when not a breath of wind flies o'er its surface. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

9. Fragrance; exhalation; odor; perfume. --Tennison. [1913 Webster]

The breath of flowers. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

10. Gentle exercise, causing a quicker respiration. [1913 Webster]

An after dinner's breath. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

{Out of breath}, breathless, exhausted; breathing with difficulty.

{Under one's breath}, in low tones. [1913 Webster]