GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions 

  1.       

    Gape , v. i. [imp. & p. p. Gaped ; p. pr. & vb. n. 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.
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      She stretches, gapes, unglues her eyes,
      And asks if it be time to rise.
      Swift.

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      (c) Showing unselfconsciousness in surprise, astonishment, expectation, etc.
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      With gaping wonderment had stared aghast.
      Byron.
      (d) Manifesting a desire to injure, devour, or overcome.
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      They have gaped upon me with their mouth.
      Job xvi. 10.

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    2. To open or part widely; to exhibit a gap, fissure, or hiatus.
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      May that ground gape and swallow me alive!
      Shak.

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    3. To long, wait eagerly, or cry aloud for something; -- with for, after, or at.
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      The hungry grave for her due tribute gapes.
      Denham.
      Syn. -- To gaze; stare; yawn. See Gaze.
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  2.       

    Gape, n.
    1. The act of gaping; a yawn.
      Addison.

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    2. (Zool.) The width of the mouth when opened, as of birds, fishes, etc.
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      The gapes. (a) A fit of yawning. (b) A disease of young poultry and other birds, attended with much gaping. It is caused by a parasitic nematode worm (Syngamus trachealis), in the windpipe, which obstructs the breathing. See Gapeworm.
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