† ˈoscitate,v.Obs.rare. [f.ppl. stem of L. oscitāre to open (as a mouth), also -ārī to gape, yawn, f.ōs mouth + citāre to move, actuate.] intr. To yawn or gape from drowsiness. 1623Cockeram, Oscitate, to yawne, to gape for want of sleepe.1755Johnson, To Yawn, to gape; to oscitate.