"imitation, mimicry," 1680s, verbal noun from ape (v.). Apery in the same sense is attested from 1610s.
Entries linking to aping
ape v.
"to imitate," 1630s, but the notion is implied earlier, as in the phrase play the ape (1570s), and Middle English apeshipe "ape-like behavior, simulation" (mid-15c.); and the noun sense of "one who mimics" may date from early 13c. Related: Aped; aping.