D defs.my
Entry 4 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Gap

/(găp)/ · IPA /ɡæp/
01 n. An opening in anything made by breaking or parting; as, a gap in a fence; an opening for a passage or entrance; an opening which implies a …
  1. 1.
    An opening in anything made by breaking or parting; as, a gap in a fence; an opening for a passage or entrance; an opening which implies a breach or defect; a vacant space or time; a hiatus; a mountain pass.
    “Miseries ensued by the opening of that gap.” Knolles.
    “It would make a great gap in your own honor.” Shak.
  2. 2.
    The vertical distance between two superposed surfaces, esp. in a biplane.(Aëronautics)
Phrases & compounds
Gap lathe — a turning lathe with a deep notch in the bed to admit of turning a short object of large diameter.
To stand in the gap — to expose one's self for the protection of something; to make defense against any assailing danger; to take the place of a fallen defender or supporter.
To stop a gap — to secure a weak point; to repair a defect.
02 v. t. To notch, as a sword or knife.
  1. 1.
    To notch, as a sword or knife.
  2. 2.
    To make an opening in; to breach.
    “Their masses are gapp'd with our grape.” Tennyson.