Yawn

v. i. [imp. & p. p. YAWNED; p. pr. & vb. n. YAWNING.] [A-S. gānian, ginian, gīnian, geonnian, genian, L. Ger. jânen, hojânen, Prov. Ger. gaunen, gienen, O. H. Ger. ginôn, ginên, geinôn, gîen, giōen, geōnōn, M. H. Ger. ginen, genen, N. H. Ger. gähnen, D. geeuwen, Icel. gina, allied to Gr. χαίνειν, Lat. hiāre. Cf. FAWN and CHAUN.] 1. To open the mouth involuntarily through drowsiness, dullness, or fatigue; to gape; to oscillate. “The lazy, yawning drone.” Shak. And while above he spends his breath, The yawning audience nod beneath. Trumbull. 2. To open wide; to gape as if to allow the entrance or exit of any thing. ’Tis now the very witching time of night, When church-yards yawn. Shak. 3. Hence, to be eager; to desire to swallow any thing; to express desire by yawning; as, to yawn for fat livings. “One long yawning gaze.” Landor.