bate

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb moderate or restrain; lessen the force of
  2. verb flap the wings wildly or frantically; used of falcons
  3. verb soak in a special solution to soften and remove chemicals used in previous treatments

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English baten (“to abate”), an apheretic form of abaten, from Old French abatre (“to knock down”).

In classic literature

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