archaic to reduce (something) in bulk, amount, force, etc
These griefs and losses have so bated me that I shall hardly spare a pound of flesh tomorrow to my bloody creditors — Shakespeare
with bated breath
with the breath held in anticipation; in agitated suspense
With parted lips and bated breath the audience hung upon his words — Mark Twain
in hushed tones
hang down my head and speak with bated breath — Frederick Douglass
[Middle English baten, short for abaten: see abate]