Pause (p&asuml_;z), n. [F., fr. L. pausa. See Pose.] 1. A temporary stop or rest; an intermission of action; interruption; suspension; cessation.
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2. Temporary inaction or waiting; hesitation; suspence; doubt.
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I stand in pause where I shall first begin. Shak.
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3. In speaking or reading aloud, a brief arrest or suspension of voice, to indicate the limits and relations of sentences and their parts.
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4. In writing and printing, a mark indicating the place and nature of an arrest of voice in reading; a punctuation point; as, teach the pupil to mind the pauses.
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5. A break or paragraph in writing.
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He writes with warmth, which usually neglects method, and those partitions and pauses which men educated in schools observe. Locke.
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6. (Mus.) A hold. See 4th Hold, 7.
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Syn. -- Stop; cessation; suspension.
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Pause, v. t. To cause to stop or rest; -- used reflexively. [R.] Shak.
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