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wheeze

To breathe hard, and with an audible piping or whistling sound, as persons affected with asthma. Wheezing lungs.

Origin: OE. Whesen, AS. Hwsan (cf. Icel. Hvaesa to hiss, Sw. Hvasa, Dan. Hvaese); akin to AS. Hwsta a cough, D. Hoest, G. Husten, OHG. Huosto, Icel. Hsti, Lith. Kosti to cough, Skr. Ks. Cf. Husky hoarse.