out of breath

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.The air inhaled and exhaled in respiration; air which, in the process of respiration, has parted with oxygen and has received carbonic acid, aqueous vapor, warmth, etc. [1913 Webster]

Melted as breath into the wind.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

2.The act of breathing naturally or freely; the power or capacity to breathe freely; as, I am out of breath. [1913 Webster]

3.The power of respiration, and hence, life. --Hood. [1913 Webster]

Thou takest away their breath, they die.— Ps. civ. 29.[1913 Webster]

4.Time to breathe; respite; pause. [1913 Webster]

Give me some breath, some little pause.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

5.A single respiration, or the time of making it; a single act; an instant. [1913 Webster]

He smiles and he frowns in a breath.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]

6.Fig.: That which gives or strengthens life. [1913 Webster]

The earthquake voice of victory, To thee the breath of life.— Byron.[1913 Webster]

7.A single word; the slightest effort; a trifle. [1913 Webster]

A breath can make them, as a breath has made.— Goldsmith.[1913 Webster]

8.A very slight breeze; air in gentle motion. [1913 Webster]

Calm and unruffled as a summer's sea, when not a breath of wind flies o'er its surface.— Addison.[1913 Webster]

9.Fragrance; exhalation; odor; perfume. --Tennison. [1913 Webster]

The breath of flowers.— Bacon.[1913 Webster]

10.Gentle exercise, causing a quicker respiration. [1913 Webster]

An after dinner's breath.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

Out of breath, breathless, exhausted; breathing with difficulty.

Under one's breath, in low tones. [1913 Webster]