1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Breathe.

2. (n.) Respiration; the act of inhaling and exhaling air.

3. (n.) Air in gentle motion.

4. (n.) Any gentle influence or operation; inspiration; as, the breathings of the Spirit.

5. (n.) Aspiration; secret prayer.

6. (n.) Exercising; promotion of respiration.

7. (n.) Utterance; communication or publicity by words.

8. (n.) Breathing place; vent.

9. (n.) Stop; pause; delay.

10. (n.) Also, in a wider sense, the sound caused by the friction of the outgoing breath in the throat, mouth, etc., when the glottis is wide open; aspiration; the sound expressed by the letter h.

11. (n.) A mark to indicate aspiration or its absence. See Rough breathing, Smooth breathing, below.