Mask — Defs

01 n. A cover, or partial cover, for the face, used for disguise or protection; as, a dancer's mask; a fencer's mask; a ball player's mask.

1.
A cover, or partial cover, for the face, used for disguise or protection; as, a dancer's mask; a fencer's mask; a ball player's mask.
2.
That which disguises; a pretext or subterfuge.
3.
A festive entertainment of dancing or other diversions, where all wear masks; a masquerade; hence, a revel; a frolic; a delusive show.
“This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask.” — Milton.
4.
A dramatic performance, formerly in vogue, in which the actors wore masks and represented mythical or allegorical characters.
5.
A grotesque head or face, used to adorn keystones and other prominent parts, to spout water in fountains, and the like; -- called also mascaron.(Arch.) Also: mascaron
6.
In a permanent fortification, a redoubt which protects the caponiere.(Fort.)
7.
The lower lip of the larva of a dragon fly, modified so as to form a prehensile organ.(Zool.)
8.
A person wearing a mask; a masker.
“The mask that has the arm of the Indian queen.” — G. W. Cable.
9.
The head or face of a fox.(Sporting)

Phrases & compounds

Mask house — a house for masquerades.

02 v. t. To cover, as the face, by way of concealment or defense against injury; to conceal with a mask or visor.

imp. & p. p. Masked; p. pr. & vb. n. Masking

1.
To cover, as the face, by way of concealment or defense against injury; to conceal with a mask or visor.
“They must all be masked and vizarded.” — Shak.
2.
To disguise; to cover; to hide.
“Masking the business from the common eye.” — Shak.
3.
To conceal; also, to intervene in the line of.(Mil.)

03 v. i. To take part as a masker in a masquerade.