Feign, v. t.

(fān), v. t. [imp. & p. p. FEIGNED; p. pr. & vb. n. FEIGNING.] [Fr. feindre, p. pr. feignant; Pr. feigner, fenher, finher, It. fingere, fignere, Sp. & Pg. fingir, Lat. fingere.] 1. To give a mental existence to, as to something not real or actual; to imagine; to contrive, as an appearance or semblance; hence, to assert by a fiction; to pretend; to form and relate as if true. Feign and put case our Savior had committed all the sins of the world. Latimer. The poet Did feign that Orpheus drew trees, stones, and floods. Shak. There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. Neh. vi. 8. 2. To represent by a false appearance of; to pretend; to counterfeit. I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner. 2 Sam. xiv. 2. Bid my woman feign a sickness. Shak. 3. To dissemble; to conceal. [Obs.] Spenser.