Mas`quer*ade" (?), n. [F. mascarade, fr. Sp. mascarada, or It. mascherata. See Mask.]
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.]
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.
© Webster 1913.
Mas`quer*ade", v. i. [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.
© Webster 1913.
Mas`quer*ade", v. t.
To conceal with masks; to disguise.
"To
masquerade vice."
Killingbeck.
© Webster 1913.