Bath \Bath\ (b[.a]th; 61), n.; pl. Baths (b[.a]thz). [AS. b[ae][eth]; akin to OS. & Icel. ba[eth], Sw., Dan., D., & G. bad, and perh. to G. b["a]hen to foment.]

1. The act of exposing the body, or part of the body, for purposes of cleanliness, comfort, health, etc., to water, vapor, hot air, or the like; as, a cold or a hot bath; a medicated bath; a steam bath; a hip bath.

2. Water or other liquid for bathing.

3. A receptacle or place where persons may immerse or wash their bodies in water.

4. A building containing an apartment or a series of apartments arranged for bathing.

Among the ancients, the public baths were of amazing extent and magnificence. --Gwilt.

5. (Chem.) A medium, as heated sand, ashes, steam, hot air, through which heat is applied to a body.

6. (Photog.) A solution in which plates or prints are immersed; also, the receptacle holding the solution.

Note: Bath is used adjectively or in combination, in an obvious sense of or for baths or bathing; as, bathroom, bath tub, bath keeper.

Douche bath. See Douche.

Order of the Bath, a high order of British knighthood, composed of three classes, viz., knights grand cross, knights commanders, and knights companions, abbreviated thus: G. C. B., K. C. B., K. B.

Russian bath, a kind of vapor bath which consists in a prolonged exposure of the body to the influence of the steam of water, followed by washings and shampooings.

Turkish bath, a kind of bath in which a profuse perspiration is produced by hot air, after which the body is washed and shampooed.

Bath house, a house used for the purpose of bathing; -- also a small house, near a bathing place, where a bather undresses and dresses.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)