Breath \Breath\ (br[e^]th), n. [OE. breth, breeth, AS. br[=ae][eth] odor, scent, breath; cf. OHG. br[=a]dam steam, vapor, breath, G. brodem, and possibly E. Brawn, and Breed.]

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. --Shak.

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. --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. Fig.: That which gives or strengthens life.

The earthquake voice of victory, 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 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. --Shak.

Out of breath, breathless, exhausted; breathing with difficulty.

Under one's breath, in low tones.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)