[mon.key] n, pl monkeys [prob. of LG origin; akin to Moneke, name of an ape, prob. of Romance origin; akin to OSp mona monkey] (ca. 1530) 1: a nonhuman primate mammal with the exception usu. of the lemurs and tarsiers; esp: any of the smaller longer-tailed primates as contrasted with the apes
2. a: a person resembling a monkey b: a ludicrous figure: dupe
3: any of various machines, implements, or vessels; esp: the falling weight of a pile driver
4: a desperate desire for or addiction to drugs--often used in the phrase monkey on one's back; broadly: a persistent or annoying encumbrance or problem
[2]monkey vb mon.keyed ; mon.key.ing vt (1859): mimic, mock ~ vi 1: to act in a grotesque or mischievous manner
2. a: fool, trifle--often used with around b: tamper--usu. used with with