Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Factitious \Fac*ti"tious\, a. [L. factitius, fr. facere to make.
   See {Fact}, and cf. {Fetich}.]
   Made by art, in distinction from what is produced by nature;
   artificial; sham; formed by, or adapted to, an artificial or
   conventional, in distinction from a natural, standard or
   rule; not natural; as, factitious cinnabar or jewels; a
   factitious taste. -- {Fac-ti"tious*ly}, adv. --
   {Fac*ti"tious-ness}, n.

         He acquires a factitious propensity, he forms an
         incorrigible habit, of desultory reading. --De Quincey.

   Syn: Unnatural.

   Usage: {Factitious}, {Unnatural}. Anything is unnatural when
          it departs in any way from its simple or normal state;
          it is factitious when it is wrought out or wrought up
          by labor and effort, as, a factitious excitement. An
          unnatural demand for any article of merchandise is one
          which exceeds the ordinary rate of consumption; a
          factitious demand is one created by active exertions
          for the purpose. An unnatural alarm is one greater
          than the occasion requires; a factitious alarm is one
          wrought up with care and effort.