Dis*sem"ble (?), v. t. [imp. &
p. p. Dissembled; p. pr. & vb. n.
Dissembling (?).] [OF. dissembler to be dissimilar;
pref. dis- (L. dis-) + F. sembler to seem, L.
simulare to simulate; cf. L. dissimulare to dissemble.
See Simulate, and cf. Dissimulate.] 1.
To hide under a false semblance or seeming; to feign (something)
not to be what it really is; to put an untrue appearance upon; to
disguise; to mask.
Dissemble all your griefs and
discontents.
Shak.
Perhaps it was right to dissemble your
love,
But -- why did you kick me down stairs?
J. P.
Kemble.
2. To put on the semblance of; to make
pretense of; to simulate; to feign.
He soon dissembled a sleep.
Tatler.
Syn. -- To conceal; disguise; cloak; cover; equivocate. See
Conceal.
Dis*sem"ble, v. i. To conceal the
real fact, motives, intention, or sentiments, under some pretense; to
assume a false appearance; to act the hypocrite.
He that hateth dissembleth with his
lips.
Prov. xxvi. 24.
He [an enemy] dissembles when he assumes an air
of friendship.
C. J. Smith.
