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.
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.