bate

An archaic verb meaning to reduce, lessen, or diminish in force or intensity; also used in the phrase 'with bated breath'.

• 🇩🇪Veralteter verbaler Ausdruck für das Verringern, Abschwächen oder Senken von Stärke oder Intensität; auch in der Wendung 'with bated breath' (mit angehaltenem Atem / in atemloser Spannung) erhalten.

1. Moderate or restrain C2 formal

   To lessen the force or intensity of something; to hold back or restrain.

   • He spoke with bated breath, barely able to contain his excitement.
   • The king bated his anger and listened to the petitioner.
   • She could not bate her curiosity any longer.

   🇩🇪Sich zurückhalten

   Synonyme: abatecheckcontrolcurbdiminishlessenmoderatereducerestraintemper

   Antonyme: aggravatefreeheightenincreaseintensifyreleaseunleash

2. Flap wings wildly (falconry) C2 formal british

   A term used in falconry meaning to flap the wings wildly or frantically, usually when a hawk is agitated or trying to escape.

   • The falcon bated its wings against the jesses.
   • The hawk bated repeatedly, trying to free itself from the glove.
   • The trainer calmed the bird after it bated in fright.

   🇩🇪Wild mit den Flügeln schlagen (Falknerei)

   Synonyme: beatflapflutter

3. Soak in a special solution (leatherworking) C2 formal

   To soak leather or animal skins in a special solution to soften them and remove chemicals used in previous treatments.

   • The tanner bated the hides in a lime solution.
   • Leather must be properly bated before it can be dyed.
   • The craftsman bated the skin to make it supple.

   🇩🇪In spezieller Lösung einweichen (Gerberei)