Pause, v. i. [imp. & p. p.Paused (pa̤zd); p. pr. & vb. n.Pausing.] [Cf. F. pauser, L. pausare. See Pause, n., Pose.] 1. To make a short stop; to cease for a time; to intermit speaking or acting; to stop; to wait; to rest. “Tarry, pause a day or two.” Shak.
Pausing a while, thus to herself she mused. Milton.
2. To be intermitted; to cease; as, the music pauses.
3. To hesitate; to hold back; to delay.
Why doth the Jew pause? Take thy forfeiture. Shak.
4. To stop in order to consider; hence, to consider; to reflect. “Take time to pause.” Shak.
To pause upon, to deliberate concerning. Shak.
Syn. — To intermit; stop; stay; wait; delay; tarry; hesitate; demur.