What is "oscitancy"

Oscitancy \Os"ci*tan*cy\, n. [See Oscitant.]

1. The act of gaping or yawning.

2. Drowsiness; dullness; sluggishness.
   --Hallam.

   It might proceed from the oscitancy of transcribers.
   --Addison.

n. 1 the act of yawning 2 drowsiness, especially when marked by yawning

1. n. drowsiness and dullness manifested by yawning [syn: oscitance]

2. an involuntary intake of breath through a wide open mouth; usually triggered by fatigue or boredom; "he could not suppress a yawn"; "the yawning in the audience told him it was time to stop"; "he apologized for his ostinancy" [syn: yawn, yawning, oscitance]