Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

Bated \Bat"ed\, a.
   Reduced; lowered; restrained; as, to speak with bated breath.
   --Macaulay.

Source : WordNet®

bated
     adj 1: held back; "we watched the daring feats of the acrobats with
            bated breath"
     2: diminished or moderated; "our bated enthusiasm"; "his bated
        hopes"