Bate \Bate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Bated}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Bating}.] [From abate.] 1. To lessen by retrenching, deducting, or reducing; to abate; to beat down; to lower.
He must either bate the laborer's wages, or not employ or not pay him. --Locke.
2. To allow by way of abatement or deduction.
To whom he bates nothing of what he stood upon with the parliament. --South.
3. To leave out; to except. [Obs.]
Bate me the king, and, be he flesh and blood, He lies that says it. --Beau. & Fl.
4. To remove. [Obs.]
About autumn bate the earth from about the roots of olives, and lay them bare. --Holland.
5. To deprive of. [Obs.]
When baseness is exalted, do not bate The place its honor for the person's sake. --Herbert.
Bated \Bat"ed\, a. Reduced; lowered; restrained; as, to speak with bated breath. --Macaulay.
The marketplace was waiting with bated breath," says an Audiographics marketer.