Hypertext Webster Gateway: "puffing"

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

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.

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

{Puffing adder}. (Zo["o]l.) Same as {Puff adder}
(b), under {Puff}.

{Puffing pig} (Zo["o]l.), the common porpoise.

From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)

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