GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found one definition

  1.       
    
    Imitation , n. [L. imitatio: cf. F. imitation.]
    1. The act of imitating.
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      Poesy is an art of imitation, . . . that is to say, a representing, counterfeiting, or figuring forth.
      Sir P. Sidney.

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    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.
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      Both these arts are not only true imitations of nature, but of the best nature.
      Dryden.

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    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.
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    4. (Biol.) The act of condition of imitating another species of animal, or a plant, or unanimate object. See Imitate, v. t., 3.
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      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.

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