Im"i*ta"tion (?), n. [L. imitatio: cf. F. imitation.]
1.
The act of imitating.
Poesy is an art of imitation, . . . that is to say, a representing, counterfeiting, or figuring forth.
Sir P. Sidney.
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.
Both these arts are not only true imitations of nature, but of the best nature.
Dryden.
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.
4. Biol.
The act of condition of imitating another species of animal, or a plant, or unanimate object. See Imitate, v. t., 3.
⇒ 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.
© Webster 1913.