Gape Gaping] [OE. gapen, AS. geapan to open; akin to D. gapen to gape, G. gaffen, Icel. & Sw. gapa, Dan. gabe; cf. Skr. jabh to snap at, open the mouth. Cf. Gaby, Gap.]
1.
To open the mouth wide
; as: (a)
Expressing a desire for food; as, young birds gape.
Dryden.(b)
Indicating sleepiness or indifference; to yawn.
She stretches, gapes, unglues her eyes,
And asks if it be time to rise.
Swift.
(c) Showing self-forgetfulness in surprise, astonishment, expectation, etc.
With gaping wonderment had stared aghast.
Byron.
(d) Manifesting a desire to injure, devour, or overcome.
They have gaped upon me with their mouth.
Job xvi. 10.
2.
To pen or part widely; to exhibit a gap, fissure, or hiatus.
May that ground gape and swallow me alive!
Shak.
3.
To long, wait eagerly, or cry aloud for something; -- with for, after, or at.
The hungry grave for her due tribute gapes.
Denham.
Syn. -- To gaze; stare; yawn. See Gaze.
© Webster 1913.
Gape, n.
1.
The act of gaping; a yawn.
Addison.
2. Zool.
The width of the mouth when opened, as of birds, fishes, etc.
© Webster 1913.