Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Bate?

\Bate\, n. [Prob. abbrev. from debate.] Strife; contention. [Obs.] --Shak.
\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 or 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.
\Bate\, v. i. 1. To remit or retrench a part; -- with of. Abate thy speed, and I will bate of mine. --Dryden. 2. To waste away. [Obs.] --Shak.
\Bate\, v. t. To attack; to bait. [Obs.] --Spenser.
\Bate\, imp. of {Bite}. [Obs.] --Spenser.
\Bate\, v. i. [F. battre des ailes to flutter. Cf. {Bait} to flutter.] To flutter as a hawk; to bait. [Obs.] --Bacon.
\Bate\, n. (Jewish Antiq.) See 2d {Bath}.
\Bate\, n. [Cf. Sw. beta maceration, soaking, G. beize, and E. bite.] An alkaline solution consisting of the dung of certain animals; -- employed in the preparation of hides; grainer. --Knight.
\Bate\, v. t. To steep in bate, as hides, in the manufacture of leather.