Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PUFF, v.t.

1. To drive with a blast of wind or air; as, the north wind puffs away the clouds. – Dryden.
2. To swell; to inflate; to dilate with air; as, a bladder puffed with air. The sea puffed up with winds. – Shak.
3. To swell; to inflate; to blow up; as, puffed up with pride, vanity or conceit; to puff up with praise or flattery. – Denham. Bacon.
4. To drive with a blast in scorn or contempt. I puff the prostitute away. – Dryden.
5. To praise with exaggeration; as, to puff a pamphlet.