bate

  1. Verb.  (transitive) To reduce the force of something; to abate.
  2. Verb.  (transitive) To restrain, usually with the sense of being in anticipation; as, ''with bated breath''.
  3. Verb.  (transitive, figuratively) To cut off, remove, take away.
  4. Noun.  Strife; contention.
  5. Verb.  (intransitive) To contend or strive with blows or arguments.
  6. Verb.  (intransitive) (context, falconry) Of a falcon: To flap the wings vigorously.
  7. Noun.  An alkaline lye which neutralizes the effect of the previous application of lime, and makes hides supple in the process of tanning.
  8. Noun.  A vat which contains this liquid.
  9. Verb.  (transitive) To soak leather so as to remove chemicals used in tanning; to steep in bate.
  10. Verb.  (intransitive, slang) To masturbate.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.