oscitancy Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun drowsiness and dullness manifested by yawning
    oscitance.
  2. noun an involuntary intake of breath through a wide open mouth; usually triggered by fatigue or boredom
    yawn; oscitance; yawning.
    • he could not suppress a yawn
    • the yawning in the audience told him it was time to stop
    • he apologized for his oscitancy

WordNet

Os"ci*tan*cy noun
Etymology
See Oscitant.
Definitions
  1. The act of gaping or yawning.
  2. Drowsiness; dullness; sluggishness. Hallam.
    It might proceed from the oscitancy of transcribers. Addison.

Webster 1913