Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Ape
Ape
(āp)
, Noun.
[AS.
apa
; akin to D. aap
, OHG. affo
, G. affe
, Icel. api
, Sw. apa
, Dan. abe
, W. epa
.] 1.
(Zool.)
A quadrumanous mammal, esp. of the family
Simiadæ
, having teeth of the same number and form as in man, and possessing neither a tail nor cheek pouches. The name is applied esp. to species of the genus Hylobates
, and is sometimes used as a general term for all Quadrumana. The higher forms, the gorilla, chimpanzee, and ourang, are often called anthropoid apes
or man apes
. ☞ The
ape
of the Old Testament was probably the rhesus monkey of India, and allied forms. 2.
One who imitates servilely (in allusion to the manners of the ape); a mimic.
Byron.
3.
A dupe.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
Ape
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Aped
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Aping
.] To mimic, as an ape imitates human actions; to imitate or follow servilely or irrationally.
“How he apes his sire.” Addison.
The people of England will not
ape
the fashions they have never tried. Burke.
Webster 1828 Edition
Ape
APE
, n.1.
A genus of quadrupeds, found in the torrid zone of both continents, of a great variety of species. In common use, the word extends to all the tribe of monkeys and baboons; but in zoology, ape is limited to such of these animals as have no tails; while those with short tails are called baboons, and those with long ones, monkeys. These animals have four cutting teeth in each jaw, and two canine teeth, with obtuse grinders. The feet are formed like hands, with four fingers and a thumb, and flat nails. Apes are lively, full of frolic and chatter, generally untamable, thieving and mischievous. They inhabit the forests, and live on fruits, leaves and insects.2.
One who imitates servilely, in allusion to the manners of the ape; a silly fellow.APE
,Verb.
T.