Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Bate \Bate\, n. [Prob. abbrev. from debate.]
   Strife; contention. [Obs.] --Shak.

Bate \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 \Bate\, v. t.
   To steep in bate, as hides, in the manufacture of leather.

Bate \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 \Bate\, v. t.
   To attack; to bait. [Obs.] --Spenser.

Bate \Bate\,
   imp. of {Bite}. [Obs.] --Spenser.

Bate \Bate\, v. i. [F. battre des ailes to flutter. Cf. {Bait}
   to flutter.]
   To flutter as a hawk; to bait. [Obs.] --Bacon.

Bate \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 \Bate\, n. (Jewish Antiq.)
   See 2d {Bath}.

Source : WordNet®

bate
     v 1: moderate or restrain; lessen the force of; "He bated his
          breath when talking about this affair"; "capable of
          bating his enthusiasm"
     2: flap the wings wildly or frantically; used of falcons
     3: soak in a special solution to soften and remove chemicals
        used in previous treatments; "bate hides and skins"