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.
© Webster 1913.
Dis*sem"ble, v. i.
To conceal the real fact, motives, tention, 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.
© Webster 1913.