- Imitation
- Imitation Im"i*ta"tion, n. [L. imitatio: cf. F. imitation.]
1. The act of imitating.
[1913 Webster]
Poesy is an art of imitation, . . . that is to say, a representing, counterfeiting, or figuring forth. --Sir P. Sidney. [1913 Webster]
2. That which is made or produced as a copy; that which is made to resemble something else, whether for laudable or for fraudulent purposes; likeness; resemblance. [1913 Webster]
Both these arts are not only true imitations of nature, but of the best nature. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
3. (Mus.) One of the principal means of securing unity and consistency in polyphonic composition; the repetition of essentially the same melodic theme, phrase, or motive, on different degrees of pitch, by one or more of the other parts of voises. Cf. {Canon}. [1913 Webster]
4. (Biol.) The act of condition of imitating another species of animal, or a plant, or unanimate object. See {Imitate}, v. t., 3. [1913 Webster]
Note: Imitation is often used adjectively to characterize things which have a deceptive appearance, simulating the qualities of a superior article; -- opposed to {real} or {genuine}; as, imitation lace; imitation bronze; imitation modesty, etc. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
