— gapingly , adv.
/gayp, gap/ , v. , gaped, gaping , n.
v.i.
1. to stare with open mouth, as in wonder.
2. to open the mouth wide involuntarily, as the result of hunger, sleepiness, or absorbed attention.
3. to open as a gap; split or become open wide.
n.
4. a wide opening; gap; breach.
5. an act or instance of gaping.
6. a stare, as in astonishment or with the mouth wide open.
7. a yawn.
8. Zool. the width of the open mouth.
[ 1175-1225; ME gapa to open the mouth wide; cf. G gaffen ]
Syn. 1. See gaze. 2, 3. yawn.