Pant definition

1. To breathe quickly or in a labored manner, as after exertion or from eagerness or excitement; to respire with heaving of the breast; to gasp. "Pluto plants for breath from out his cell." (Dryden)

2. Hence: To long eagerly; to desire earnestly. "As the hart panteth after the water brooks." (Ps. Xlii. 1) "Who pants for glory finds but short repose." (Pope)

3. To beat with unnatural violence or rapidity; to palpitate, or throb; said of the heart.

4. To sigh; to flutter; to languish. "The whispering breeze Pants on the leaves, and dies upon the trees." (Pope)

Origin: Cf. F. Panteler to gasp for breath, OF. Panteisier to be breathless, F. Pantois out of breath; perh. Akin to E. Phantom, the verb prob. Orig. Meaning, to have the nightmare.

1. To breathe forth quickly or in a labored manner; to gasp out. "There is a cavern where my spirit Was panted forth in anguish." (Shelley)

2. To long for; to be eager after. "Then shall our hearts pant thee." (Herbert)

1. A quick breathing; a catching of the breath; a gasp.

2. A violent palpitation of the heart.

(01 Mar 1998)