feign
verb (used with object)
to represent fictitiously; put on an appearance of.
had feigned
-
past perfectof feign.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At no point in any of the court’s recent religious liberty cases did these justices even raise the possibility that these plaintiffs had feigned or exaggerated their beliefs.
From Slate ● Nov. 9, 2021
Catcher Caleb Joseph had feigned signing autographs to imaginary fans, tipping his hat to the adoring . . . seats.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 29, 2015
While prosecutors portrayed Mr. Kadir as an eager participant in the plot, he testified that he had feigned enthusiasm.
From New York Times ● Jul. 21, 2010
Straightway it was rumored that Pilsudski, super-melodramatist, had feigned illness that he might secretly view the terrain of the military seizure demanded by Armed Poland.
From Time Magazine Archive
And the Lady Rochford lay where she had feigned to faint, straining her ears.
From The Fifth Queen Crowned by Ford Madox Ford
