ɡeɪp v. & n. --v.intr. 1 a
open one's
mouth wide,
esp. in amazement or
wonder. b be or
become wide open. 2 (foll. by at)
gaze curiously or wondrously. 3
split;
part asunder. 4
yawn. --n. 1 an open-mouthed
stare. 2 a yawn. 3 (in
pl.; prec. by the) a a
disease of birds
with gaping as a
symptom, caused by infestation with
gapeworm. b joc. a fit of yawning. 4 a an
expanse of open mouth or beak. b
the part of a beak
that opens. 5 a rent or
opening. øøgapingly adv. [ME f. ON gapa]