man apes

Ape Ape ([=a]p), n. [AS. apa; akin to D. aap, OHG. affo, G. affe, Icel. api, Sw. apa, Dan. abe, W. epa.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) A quadrumanous mammal, esp. of the family {Simiad[ae]}, having teeth of the same number and form as in man, and possessing neither a tail nor cheek pouches. The name is applied esp. to species of the genus {Hylobates}, and is sometimes used as a general term for all Quadrumana. The higher forms, the gorilla, chimpanzee, and ourang, are often called {anthropoid apes} or {man apes}. [1913 Webster]

Note: The ape of the Old Testament was probably the rhesus monkey of India, and allied forms. [1913 Webster]

2. One who imitates servilely (in allusion to the manners of the ape); a mimic. --Byron. [1913 Webster]

3. A dupe. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]