Emily Dickinson Lexicon

APE, n. [D. aap; Dan. abe; Sax. apa; Sw. and Ir. apa; Ice. ape; Germ. affe; W. ab, or epa, so named from the celerity of its motions.]

1. A genus of quadrumana, found in the torrid zone of both continents, of a great variety of species. In common use, the word extends to all the tribe of monkeys and baboons; but in zoology, ape is limited to such of these animals as have no tails; while those with short tails are called baboons, and those with long ones, monkeys. These animals have four cutting teeth in each jaw, and two canine teeth, with obtuse grinders. The feet are formed like hands, with four fingers and a thumb, and flat nails. Apes are lively, full of frolick and chatter, generally untamable, thieving, and mischievous. They inhabit the forests, and live on fruits, leaves, and insects. – Encyc.
2. One who imitates servilely, in allusion to the manners of the ape; a silly fellow.