>ever RTFM for bash? it says: wait [n] Wait for the specified process and return its ter mination status. n may be a process ID or a job specification; if a job spec is given, all pro cesses in that job's pipeline are waited for. If n is not given, all currently active child processes are waited for, and the return status is zero. If n specifies a non-existent process or job, the return status is 127. Otherwise, the return status is the exit status of the last process or job waited for.
I think sleep is the appropriate command. Methinks one should beware of using the evil RTFM term lest it turns and hits one in the face! :-)