What does "gape" mean?

Gape: 2. To pen or part widely; to exhibit a gap, fissure, or hiatus. May that ground gape and swallow me alive! Shak.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To long, wait eagerly, or cry aloud for something; -- with for, after, or at. The hungry grave for her due tribute gapes. Denham. See Gaze.
  2. 3.The act of gaping; a yawn. Addison.
  3. 4.(Zoöl.) The width of the mouth when opened, as of birds, fishes, etc.

Sources