\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.