— breathlessly , adv. — breathlessness , n.
/breth"lis/ , adj.
1. without breath or breathing with difficulty; gasping; panting: We were breathless after the steep climb.
2. with the breath held, as in suspense, astonishment, fear, or the like: breathless listeners of the mystery story.
3. causing loss of breath, as from excitement, anticipation, or tension: a breathless ride.
4. dead; lifeless.
5. motionless or still, as air without a breeze: a breathless summer day.
[ 1350-1400; ME brethles. See BREATH, -LESS ]