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. gapingly adv.
[ ME f. ON gapa ]