(pant) v.i.
1. To breathe rapidly or spasmodically; gasp for breath.
2. To emit smoke, steam, etc., in loud puffs.
3. To gasp with desire; yearn: with for or after.
4. To beat or pulsate rapidly; throb, as the heart.
—v.t.
5. To breathe out or utter gaspingly. See synonyms under PUFF.
—noun A short or labored breath; a gasp; also, a quick or violent heaving, as of the breast; a throb, as of the heart. [Appar. <OF pantoisier gasp, ult. <L phantasia a nightmare]
—pant′er noun

Var. of PANTO–.