To stare about awkwardly.
1785. We see nobody, and do little else than sit in the chimney-corner, repeating over the same dull stories, or gawking at one another with sorry grimace.—M. Cutler, ‘Life,’ &c. (1888), ii. 226–7. (N.E.D.)
1817. All with their wives, and some with their gawking offspring.—Mass. Spy, April 2.
