The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Respire \Re*spire"\ (r?*sp?r), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Respired
   (-sp?rd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Respiring.] [L. respirare,
   respiratum; pref. re- re- + spirare to breathe: cf. F.
   respirer. See Spirit.]
   1. To take breath again; hence, to take rest or refreshment.
      --Spenser.
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            Here leave me to respire.             --Milton.
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            From the mountains where I now respire. --Byron.
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   2. (Physiol.) To breathe; to inhale air into the lungs, and
      exhale it from them, successively, for the purpose of
      maintaining the vitality of the blood.
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