oscitancy

/ ˈɒsɪtənsɪ /

noun

1. the state of being drowsy, lazy, or inattentive
2. the act of yawning

Derived Forms

• ˈoscitant, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of oscitancy¹

C17: from Latin oscitāre to gape, yawn

Example Sentences

From cases of excusable oscitancy they degenerate, either into instances of inexcusable licentiousness, or else into cases of downright fraud.

From Project Gutenberg

Its necessary concomitants, are official inattention and oscitancy.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• apathy
• laziness
• paralysis
• passivity
• sluggishness