n. & v.
--n.
1. an interval of inaction, esp. when due to hesitation; a temporary stop.
2 a break in speaking or reading; a silence.
3 Mus. a mark (3! 3!) over a note or rest that is to be lengthened by an unspecified amount.
--v.intr.
1. make a pause; wait.
2 (usu. foll. by upon) linger over (a word etc.).
Phrases and idioms:
give pause to cause (a person) to hesitate.
Etymology: ME f. OF pause or L pausa f. Gk pausis f. pauo stop