a. [f. BREATH + -Y1.]
1. Of, pertaining to, or of the nature of breath.
1528. Paynell, Salerne Regim., X. ij b. That hit comforteth breathy membres.
a. 1598. Peele, David & B., 485 (D.). Help thy Bethsabe, Whose heart is pierced with thy breathy swords.
1603. Florio, Montaigne, II. xvi. (1632), 353. In this breathie confusion of bruites, and frothy chaos of reports.
1605. Timme, Quersit., III. 163. The more thinne and breathie part passe by insensible transpirations.
1635. Swan, Spec. M., 186 (L.). Lightning is less flamy and less breathy.
2. Of the voice in singing: Having an admixture of the sound of breathing. Hence Breathiness.
1883. Curwen, Standard Course, 105/2. Some deep contralto voices, though weak and breathy in the thin register, produce many tones of this highest register. Ibid., 95/2. In the ‘gradual’ attack, the vocal membranes are brought together while the breath is being emitted…. It causes what we call ‘breathiness.’
