2. To blow, as an expression of scorn; — with at. It is really to defy Heaven to puff at damnation. South.
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. To swell with air; to be dilated or inflated. Boyle.
5. To breathe in a swelling, inflated, or pompous manner; hence, to assume importance. Then came brave Glory puffing by. Herbert.
PUFF
Puff, v. t.
1. To drive with a puff, or with puffs. The clearing north will puff the clouds away. Dryden.
2. To repel with words; to blow at contemptuously. I puff the prostitute away. Dryden.
3. To cause to swell or dilate; to inflate; to ruffle with puffs; — often with up; as a bladder puffed with air. The sea puffed up with winds. Shak.
4. To inflate with pride, flattery, self-esteem, or the like; — often with up. Puffed up with military success. Jowett (Thucyd. )
5. To praise with exaggeration; to flatter; to call public attention to by praises; to praise unduly. " Puffed with wonderful skill." Macaulay.