bate

1. verb /beɪt/

a) To reduce the force of something; to abate.

He will not bate an ace of absolute certainty.

b) To restrain, usually with the sense of being in anticipation; as, with bated breath.

2. noun /beɪt/

a) Strife; contention.

... and wears his boots very smooth, like unto the sign of the leg, and breeds no bate with telling of discreet stories;

b) An alkaline lye which neutralizes the effect of the previous application of lime, and makes hides supple in the process of tanning.

So the strife redoubled and the weapons together clashed and ceased not bate and debate and naught was to be seen but blood flowing and necks bowing;