The term 'bearing nothing' can be broken down into two words: AIR and EMPTYHANDED. AIR is a three letter word meaning 'a mixture of gases, especially oxygen, that surrounds the earth and forms its atmosphere.' EMPTYHANDED is an eleven letter word meaning 'without having achieved one's goal; without having anything in one's possession or control.' Together, the two words form the phrase 'bearing nothing, ' which means to have nothing in one's possession or control.