Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Vent \Vent\, n. [OE. fent, fente, a slit, F. fente a slit,
   cleft, fissure, from fendre to split, L. findere; but
   probably confused with F. vent wind, L. ventus. See
   {Fissure}, and cf. Vent to snuff.]
   1. A small aperture; a hole or passage for air or any fluid
      to escape; as, the vent of a cask; the vent of a mold; a
      volcanic vent.

            Look, how thy wounds do bleed at many vents. --Shak.

            Long't was doubtful, both so closely pent, Which
            first should issue from the narrow vent. --Pope.

   2. Specifically:
      (a) (Zo["o]l.) The anal opening of certain invertebrates
          and fishes; also, the external cloacal opening of
          reptiles, birds, amphibians, and many fishes.
      (b) (Gun.) The opening at the breech of a firearm, through
          which fire is communicated to the powder of the
          charge; touchhole.
      (c) (Steam Boilers) Sectional area of the passage for
          gases divided by the length of the same passage in
          feet.

   3. Fig.: Opportunity of escape or passage from confinement or
      privacy; outlet.

   4. Emission; escape; passage to notice or expression;
      publication; utterance.

            Without the vent of words.            --Milton.

            Thou didst make tolerable vent of thy travel.
                                                  --Shak.

   {To give vent to}, to suffer to escape; to let out; to pour
      forth; as, to give vent to anger.

   {To take vent}, to escape; to be made public. [R.]

   {Vent feather} (Zo["o]l.), one of the anal, or crissal,
      feathers of a bird.

   {Vent field} (Gun.), a flat raised surface around a vent.

   {Vent piece}. (Gun.)
      (a) A bush. See 4th {Bush}, n., 2.
      (b) A breech block.