First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1bate
verb \ˈbāt\
bat·edbat·ing
Definition of BATE
transitive verb
1
: to reduce the force or intensity of : restrain <with bated breath>
2
: to take away : deduct
3
archaic : to lower especially in amount or estimation
4
archaic : blunt
intransitive verb
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of BATE
Middle English, short for abaten to abate
2bate
verb
bat·edbat·ing
Definition of BATE
intransitive verb
of a falcon or hawk : to attempt to fly off something (as a gauntlet) in fear
Origin of BATE
Middle English, from Middle French batre to beat, from Latin battuere
First Known Use: 14th century
BATE Defined for Kids
bate
verb \ˈbāt\
bat·edbat·ing
Definition of BATE for Kids
: to reduce the force or intensity of <… with parted lips and bated breath the audience hung upon his words … — Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer>
Learn More About BATE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up bate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).