prop. phr. [A prep.1 of state + GAPE.] On the gape; with open mouth of expectation or wonder: hence fig. in an attitude or state of wondering expectation.
1667. Milton, P. L., V. 357. Their rich retinue … Dazzles the crowd, and sets them all agape.
1765. Tucker, Lt. of Nat., II. 73. When the Moon interposes between us and the Sun so as to cover his whole Body, it sets every eye agape.
a. 1845. Hood, T. of Trumpet, xxxvii. At a door ajar, or a window agape.
1848. Mariotti, Italy, Pref. 22. Wild with excitement; agape with breathless expectation.
1855. Tennyson, Maud, X. ii. A rabbit mouth that is ever agape.
