masque — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A dramatic performance, often performed at court as a royal entertainment, consisting of dancing, dialogue, pantomime and song.

   Usage

   • Historical
   • in 16th- and 17th-century England and Europe

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   "I think," said Anne to Madame de Mercœur, "we must obtain your protégée's services for our intended masque; however, I shall leave that to you young people to settle," turning to Louis as she spoke.

2. Words and music written for a masque.

   Examples

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   Over six sections – a prologue, a life-story, a dream-quest, a dirge, a masque and an epilogue – they meditate on their lives, their hopes, their losses, and on the human condition.

3. A masquerade.

   Examples

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   The game of pretence is enhanced by dressing-up, and it is natural for a child to copy some grown-up hero. The game was also played by all those people who have attended masques and fancy-dress parties and by Marie-Antoinette when she played at being a milkmaid, it is only the fashion which had altered.

4. A facial mask.

   Examples

   mud masque; clay masque

Noun

1. a party of guests wearing costumes and masks

   Synonyms

   masquerademasquerade partymask

   Broader terms

   party