Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Gap \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.