Definitions of bate:

• verb:   flap the wings wildly or frantically; used of falcons
• verb:   soak in a special solution to soften and remove chemicals used in previous treatments

  Example: "Bate hides and skins"

• verb:   moderate or restrain; lessen the force of

  Example: "He bated his breath when talking about this affair"

• name:  A surname (rare: 1 in 100000 families; popularity rank in the U.S.: #13854)