Gap (?), n. [OE. gap; cf. Icel. gap an empty space, Sw. gap mouth, breach, abyss, Dan. gab mouth, opening, AS. geap expanse; as adj., wide, spacious. See Gape.] An opening in anything made by breaking or parting; as, a gap in a fence; an opening for a passage or entrance; an opening which implies a breach or defect; a vacant space or time; a hiatus; a mountain pass.
Miseries ensued by the opening of that gap. Knolles.
It would make a great gap in your own honor. Shak.
Gap lathe(Mach.), a turning lathe with a deep notch in the bed to admit of turning a short object of large diameter. — To stand in the gap, to expose one's self for the protection of something; to make defense against any assailing danger; to take the place of a fallen defender or supporter. — To stop a gap, to secure a weak point; to repair a defect.