Breath (br&ebreve;th), n. [OE. breth,
breeth, AS. br&aemacr;ð odor, scent, breath; cf. OHG.
brādam 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.
Melted as breath into the wind.
Shak.
2. The act of breathing naturally or freely; the
power or capacity to breathe freely; as, I am out of
breath.
3. The power of respiration, and hence, life.
Hood.
Thou takest away their breath, they die.
Ps. civ. 29.
4. Time to breathe; respite; pause.
Give me some breath, some little pause.
Shak.
5. A single respiration, or the time of making it;
a single act; an instant.
He smiles and he frowns in a breath.
Dryden.
6. Fig.: That which gives or strengthens
life.
The earthquake voice of victory,
To thee the breath of life.
Byron.
7. A single word; the slightest effort; a
trifle.
A breath can make them, as a breath has
made.
Goldsmith.
8. A very slight breeze; air in gentle
motion.
Calm and unruffled as a summer's sea,
when not a breath of wind flies o'er its surface.
Addison.
9. Fragrance; exhalation; odor; perfume.
Tennison.
The breath of flowers.
Bacon.
10. Gentle exercise, causing a quicker
respiration.
An after dinner's breath.
Shak.
Out of breath, breathless, exhausted; breathing
with difficulty. -- Under one's breath, in low
tones.
