Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PANT, v.i. [Fr. panteler, probably from the root of W. panu, to beat. See Panicle, and qu. Gr. πνεω.]

1. To palpitate; to beat with preternatural violence or rapidity, as the heart in terror, or after hard labor, or in anxious desire or suspense. Yet might her piteous heart be seen to pant and quake. – Spenser.
2. To have the breast heaving, as in short respiration or want of breath. Pluto pants for breath from out his cell. – Dryden.
3. To play with intermission or declining strength. The whispering breeze / Pants on the leaves and dies upon the trees. – Pope.
4. To long; to desire ardently. Who pants for glory, finds but short repose. – Pope. As the hart panteth after the water-brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. – Ps. xlii.