from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gasp \Gasp\ (g[.a]sp), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Gasped} (g[.a]spt);
p. pr. & vb. n. {Gasping}.] [OE. gaspen, gaispen, to yawn,
gasp, Icel. geispa to yawn; akin to Sw. g[aum]spa, Dan. gispe
to gasp.]
1. To open the mouth wide in catching the breath, or in
laborious respiration; to labor for breath; to respire
convulsively; to pant violently.
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She gasps and struggles hard for life. --Lloyd.
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2. To pant with eagerness; to show vehement desire.
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Quenching the gasping furrows' thirst with rain.
--Spenser.
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