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.
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.
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