Puff | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Pŭff, n.

noun

n. [Ger. & Sw. puff, Dan. puf, D. pof, bof, Prov. Ger. buff, a puff, blow, thump.]

A sudden and single emission of breath from the mouth; hence, any sudden or short blast of wind; a small gust; a whiff. “To every puff of wind a slave.” Flatman.
Any thing light and filled with air; as, (a.) A dry, fungous ball containing dust; a puff-ball. (b.) A certain kind of light pastry. (c.) A substance of loose texture, used to sprinkle powder on the hair or skin. Ainsworth.
Hence, an exaggerated or empty expression of praise, especially one in a public journal.

Puff, v. i.

verbintransitive

[imp. & p. p. PUFFED (pŭft); p. pr. & vb. n. PUFFING.] [Ger. puffen, D. puffen, poffen, Sw. puffa, Dan. puffe, Fr. bouffer, bouffir, Pr., Sp., & Pg. bufar, It. buffare. See supra.]

Sense 1. To blow in puffs, or with short and sudden whiffs.

Sense 2. To blow, as an expression of scorn or contempt; — with at.

It is really to defy Heaven to puff at damnation. South.

Sense 3. To breathe with vehemence, as after violent exertion.

The ass comes back again, puffing and blowing, from the chase. L'Estrange.

Sense 4. To swell with air; to be dilated or inflated. Bouile.

Sense 5. To breathe in a swelling or pompous manner; hence, to assume importance.

Then came brave Glory puffing by. Herbert.

Pŭff, v. t.

verbtransitive

Sense 1. To drive with a puff.

The clearing north will puff the clouds away. Dryden.

Sense 2. To drive away in scorn or contempt; to blow at reproachfully.

I puff the prostitute away. Dryden.

Sense 3. To dilate with air; to blow up; — with up; as, a bladder puffed with air.

The sea puffed up with winds. Shak.

Sense 4. To swell; to inflate with pride, flattery, or self-esteem, or the like.

Sense 5. To praise with exaggeration. “Puffed with wonderful skill.” Macaulay.

Pŭff, a.

adjective

a. Puffed; blown; inflated; hence, puffed up; proud; vain. [Rare.] Fanshaw.