Ĭm′ĭ-tāte, v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. IMITATED; p. pr. & vb. n. IMITATING.] [Lat. imitāri, imitātus; It. imitare, Sp. & Pg. imitar, Fr. imiter. Cf. IMAGE.]
Sense 1. To follow as a pattern, model, or example; to copy, or strive to copy, in acts, manners, and the like.
Despite wealth and imitate a god. Cowley.
Sense 2. To produce a semblance or likeness of, in form, color, qualities, conduct, manners, and the like; to counterfeit.
A place picked out by choice of best alive That Nature’s work by art can imitate. Spenser.
Sense 3. To produce as the copy or counterfeit of something else.
This hand appeared a shining sword to wield, And that sustained an imitated shield. Dryden.