v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Imitated p. pr. & vb. n. Imitating ] [ L. imitatus, p. p. of imitari to imitate; of unknown origin. Cf. Image. ] 1. To follow as a pattern, model, or example; to copy or strive to copy, in acts, manners etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

Despise wealth and imitate a dog. Cowlay. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To produce a semblance or likeness of, in form, character, color, qualities, conduct, manners, and the like; to counterfeit; to copy. [ 1913 Webster ]

A place picked out by choice of best alive
The Nature's work by art can imitate. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

This hand appeared a shining sword to weild,
And that sustained an imitated shield. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Biol.) To resemble (another species of animal, or a plant, or inanimate object) in form, color, ornamentation, or instinctive habits, so as to derive an advantage thereby; sa, when a harmless snake imitates a venomous one in color and manner, or when an odorless insect imitates, in color, one having secretion offensive to birds. [ 1913 Webster ]

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 ]

☞ 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 ]

a. Pertaining to, or employed in, imitation; as, imitational propensities. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Gram.) A verb expressive of imitation or resemblance. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. imitavitus: cf. F. imitatif. ] 1. Inclined to imitate, copy, or follow; imitating; exhibiting some of the qualities or characteristics of a pattern or model; dependent on example; not original; as, man is an imitative being; painting is an imitative art. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Formed after a model, pattern, or original. [ 1913 Webster ]

This temple, less in form, with equal grace,
Was imitative of the first in Thrace. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Nat. Hist.) Designed to imitate another species of animal, or a plant, or inanimate object, for some useful purpose, such as protection from enemies; having resemblance to something else; as, imitative colors; imitative habits; dendritic and mammillary forms of minerals are imitative.

-- Im"i*ta*tive*ly, adv. -- Im"i*ta*tive*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. ] One who imitates. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The state or office of an imitator. “Servile imitatorship.” Marston. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A woman who is an imitator. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. An imitatress. [ 1913 Webster ]