Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Breath
Breath
(brĕth)
, Noun.
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. Shakespeare
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. Shakespeare
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
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
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
. Shakespeare
Out of breath
, breathless, exhausted; breathing with difficulty.
– Under one's breath
, in low tones.
Webster 1828 Edition
Breath
BREATH
,Noun.
1.
The air inhaled and expelled in the respiration of animals.2.
Life.No man has more contempt than I of breath.
3.
The state or power of breathing freely; opposed to a state of exhaustion from violent action; as, I am out of breath; I am scarce in breath.4.
Respite; pause; time to breathe; as,let me take breath; give me some breath.5.
Breeze; aid in gentle motion.Calm and unruffled as a summer's sea,
When not a breath of wind flies o'er its surface.
6.
A single respiration; as, he swears at every breath.7.
An instant; the time of a single respiration; a single act.He smiles and he frowns in a breath.
8.
A word.A breath can make them, as a breath has made.