PUFF (2)

puff (2). Puff, v.t. to blow, swell with wind, praise much

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Puff, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Puffed (pŭft); p. pr. & vb. n. Puffing.] [[Akin to G. puffen to pop, buffet, puff, D. poffen to pop, puffen to blow, Sw. puffa to push, to cuff, Dan. puffe to pop, thump. See Puff, n.]] 1. 1. To blow in puffs, or with short and sudden whiffs.
2. 2. To blow, as an expression of scorn; — with at.
It is really to defy Heaven to puff at damnation. South. 3. 3. To breathe quick and hard, or with puffs, as after violent exertion.
The ass comes back again, puffing and blowing, from the chase. L' Estrange. 4. 4. To swell with air; to be dilated or inflated. Boyle.
5. 5. To breathe in a swelling, inflated, or pompous manner; hence, to assume importance.
Then came brave Glory puffing by. Herbert.