What does the term waiting with baited breath mean?

Answer:

It's "waiting with BATED breath". To bate is to reduce, lessen or diminish. Waiting with bated breath implies waiting with such suspense that one is hardly breathing.

First answer by Wildwilly1111. Last edit by Wildwilly1111. Contributor trust: 3 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 3 [recommend question].