As a noun, counterfeit or fraudulent imitations of genuine items; as a verb, creates false versions of something or pretends to have qualities one doesn't possess. Implies deception or misrepresentation.
From German fegen meaning 'to sweep, clean,' originally thieves' slang for 'to rob.' The meaning evolved to describe anything that 'sweeps away' authenticity, eventually encompassing all forms of counterfeiting and pretense by the 19th century.
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