bated Definition

bated
adj

1. Diminished; restrained. Now usually only used in the phrase

Idiom: with bated breath

Hushed and tense with excitement, fear or anxiety.
Example: watched with bated breath as the lion-tamer entered the cage

Etymology: 14c: from bate to lessen, moderate or beat down, from abate.

Info:

There is often a spelling confusion between bated and baited.