the gapes

1 definition found

the gapes - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Gape \Gape\, n.
     1. The act of gaping; a yawn. --Addison.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Zool.) The width of the mouth when opened, as of birds,
        fishes, etc.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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.
            [1913 Webster]