Brēath'ing, n.

n. 1. Respiration; the act of inhaling and exhaling air. “Subject to a difficulty of breathing.” Melmoth. 2. Air in gentle motion. Like the tyrannous breathing of the north, Shakes all our buds from growing. Shak.

3. Any gentle influence or operation; inspiration; as, the breathings of the spirit.
4. Aspiration; secret prayer. “Earnest desires and breathings after that blessed state.” Tillotson.
5. Exercising; promotion of respiration.

Here is a lady that wants breathing too: And I have often heard you knights of Tyre Are excellent in making ladies trip. Shak. 6. Utterance; communication by words breathed. I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose. Shak.

7. Breathing-place; vent.
8. (a.) (Gram.) Aspiration; the sound expressed by the letter h. (b.) (Gr. Gram.) A mark placed over the initial vowel of a word to indicate aspiration.—Rough breathing (spiritus asper), a mark (‘), signifying that the letter over which it is placed is to be pronounced as if preceded by h, as ἕναι (hē-nai). Smooth breathing (spiritus lenis), a mark (’), indicating the absence of the sound of h, as ἔναι (i-ē-nai).