oscitation

Noun

oscitation (plural oscitations)

1. (also, figuratively) The act of yawning or gaping.
   • Ossitacio is the latyn worde..In englysh it is named ossitacion yeanynge or gapynge.1547, A. Borde, edited by Bill Long, Breuiary of Helthe, published 2006, archived from the original on 09 Dec 2012
   • But I shall defer considering this subject at large, until I come to my treatise of oscitation, laughter, and ridicule.1709 September 12 (Gregorian calendar), Isaac Bickerstaff [et al., pseudonyms; Joseph Addison], “Thursday, September 2, 1709”, in The Tatler, number 63; republished in [Richard Steele], editor, The...
2. (obsolete) The condition of being listless, drowsy, negligent, or inattentive; an occurrence of such negligence or inattention.
   • These transient fits of oscitation, and inactivity, are perhaps no more than a necessary relaxation to the mind, and serve to quicken its faculties to a more lively sensation of returning pleasure.1744, “Letters of Mrs. Carter and Miss Talbot”, in The Eclectic Review, volume 4, London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme, published 1808, page 980