Masquerade — Defs

01 n. An assembly of persons wearing masks, and amusing themselves with dancing, conversation, or other diversions.

1.
An assembly of persons wearing masks, and amusing themselves with dancing, conversation, or other diversions.
“In courtly balls and midnight masquerades.” — Pope.
2.
A dramatic performance by actors in masks; a mask. See 1st Mask, 4.[Obs.] See: Mask
3.
Acting or living under false pretenses; concealment of something by a false or unreal show; pretentious show; disguise.
“That masquerade of misrepresentation which invariably accompanied the political eloquence of Rome.” — De Quincey.
4.
A Spanish diversion on horseback.

02 v. i. To assemble in masks; to take part in a masquerade.

imp. & p. p. Masqueraded; p. pr. & vb. n. Masquerading

1.
To assemble in masks; to take part in a masquerade.
2.
To frolic or disport in disquise; to make a pretentious show of being what one is not.
“A freak took an ass in the head, and he goes into the woods, masquerading up and down in a lion's skin.” — L'Estrange.

03 v. t. To conceal with masks; to disguise.