The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Gasp \Gasp\ (g[.a]sp), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Gasped (g[.a]spt);
   p. pr. & vb. n. Gasping.] [OE. gaspen, gaispen, to yawn,
   gasp, Icel. geispa to yawn; akin to Sw. g[aum]spa, Dan. gispe
   to gasp.]
   1. To open the mouth wide in catching the breath, or in
      laborious respiration; to labor for breath; to respire
      convulsively; to pant violently.
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            She gasps and struggles hard for life. --Lloyd.
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   2. To pant with eagerness; to show vehement desire.
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            Quenching the gasping furrows' thirst with rain.
                                                  --Spenser.
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