Feigns, dissembles (8)
I believe the answer is:
pretends
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'feigns' is the first definition.
('pretend' can be a synonym of 'feign')
'dissembles' is the second definition.
('pretend' can be a synonym of 'dissemble')
(Other definitions for pretends that I've seen before include "Makes believe" , "Creates false appearance or impression" , "Postures" , "Feigns, dissembles" , "Plays make-believe" .)