Baretti: A dictionary of the English and Italian languages
Respiráre, v. n.
1. to breathe, to fetch one's breath. — l'aria fresca, to breathe the fresh air; 2. to rest, refresh one's self; 3. to breathe, to live; 4. to infuse, communicate, impart; 5. to breathe out, evaporate, vent; 6. (obs.) to speak.
Florio: a worlde of wordes, or most copious, dictionarie in Italian and English
respirare: to breath againe, to take breath, to vent forth. Also to send forth any sauour. Also to pause, to rest to take comfort or be refreshed.