Ape /(āp)/

Ape

n.
  1. 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. (Zool.)
  2. One who imitates servilely (in allusion to the manners of the ape); a mimic.
  3. A dupe. [Obs.]

Ape

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Aped; p. pr. & vb. n. Aping

  1. To mimic, as an ape imitates human actions; to imitate or follow servilely or irrationally.
    The people of England will not ape the fashions they have never tried.