Emily Dickinson Lexicon

WHEEZE, v.i. [Sax. hweosan; Arm. chueza; Sw. hes, hoarse; Dan. hvæser; Sw. hväsa, to hiss, to whiz; Dan. hvaes, a whistling; Wheeze, whiz, and probably whisper, are of one family, and accord with the root of the L. fistula.]

To breathe hard and with an audible sound, as persons affected with asthma. – Dryden. Swift.