-imitation-

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 ]