Breath, n.

(brĕth), n. [A-S. bræth, odor, scent, breath, O. H. Ger. brādam, N. H. Ger. bradem, brodem, broden, steam, vapor, breath.] 1. The air inhaled and exhaled in the respiration of animals. My breath came gaspingly and thick. Byron.

2. The act of breathing naturally or freely; the power or capacity to breathe freely; as, I am out of breath. “I am scarce in breath.” Shak.
3. The power of respiration, and hence, life.

No man has more contempt than I of breath. Dryden.

4. Time to breathe; respite; pause; as, let me take breath. “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. 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.