bate

verb

1. moderate or restrain; lessen the force of; “He bated his breath when talking about this affair”; “capable of bating his enthusiasm”

   Less specific

   • control, hold in, hold, contain, check, curb, moderate

2. flap the wings wildly or frantically; used of falcons

   Less specific

   • beat, flap

3. soak in a special solution to soften and remove chemicals used in previous treatments; “bate hides and skins”

   Less specific

   • drench, douse, dowse, soak, sop, souse