dissemble

Definition

To disguise or conceal something.

Etymology

First attested in the beginning of the 15th century, in Middle English; inherited from Middle English dissemblen, dissimblen, dissemelen, borrowed from Old French dessambler, dissembler, disembler, itself borrowed from Latin dissimulō and modified after sembler, semblance, etc. Doublet of dissimulate, dissimilate, and dissimule.

Example Sentences

• "Dissemble all your griefs and discontents."
• "Dearly beloved brethren, the Scripture moveth us in ſundry places to acknowledge, and confeſs our manifold ſins and wickedneſs, and that we ſhould not diſſemble nor cloak them before the face of Almighty God our heavenly Father, […]"
• "Perhaps it was right to dissemble your love."