Bates meaning : To reduce the force of something; to abate. To restrain, usually with the sense of being in anticipation (sometimes figurative) To cut off, remove, take away. To leave out, except, bar. To waste away. To deprive of. To lessen by retrenching, deducting, or reducing; to abate; to beat down; to lower. To allow by way of abatement or deduction. To contend or strive with blows or arguments. Of a falcon: To flap the wings vigorously; to bait. To soak leather so as to remove chemicals used in tanning; to steep in bate. To masturbate.