IM'ITATIVE, adjective Inclined to follow in manner; as, man is an imitative being. 1. Aiming at resemblance; that is used in the business of forming resemblances. Painting is an initiative art. 2. Formed after a model, pattern or original. This temple, less in form, with equal grace, Was imitative of the first in Thrace. Imitative music, is that which is intended to resemble some natural operation, the passions, and the like.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI