Apparently it's spelled "bated". > with bated breath: in a nervous and excited state anticipating what will happen > bate: To flap the wings wildly or frantic

Apparently it's spelled "bated". > with bated breath: in a nervous and excited state anticipating what will happen > bate: To flap the wings wildly or frantically - used of a falcon; To lessen the force or intensity of; moderate.To take away; subtract.