Pant (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Panted; p. pr. & vb. n. Panting.] [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 quickly or in a labored manner, as after exertion or from eagerness or excitement; to respire with heaving of the breast; to gasp.

Pluto pants 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.

Spenser.

4.

To sigh; to flutter; to languish.

[Poetic]

The whispering breeze Pants on the leaves, and dies upon the trees. Pope.

 

© Webster 1913.


Pant, v. t.

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.

[R.]

Then shall our hearts pant thee. Herbert.

 

© Webster 1913.


Pant, n.

1.

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

Drayton.

2.

A violent palpitation of the heart.

Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.