antimasque

American  

[an-ti-mask] / ˈæn tɪˌmæsk /

Sometimes antimask

noun

1. a comic or grotesque performance, as a dance, presented before or between the acts of a masque.

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antimasque British  

/ ˈæntɪˌmɑːsk /

noun

1. a comic or grotesque dance, presented between the acts of a masque

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Other Word Forms

• antimasker noun
• antimasquer noun

Etymology

Origin of antimasque

First recorded in 1600–10; anti- + masque; replacing antemask; ante-, mask

Example Sentences

Jonson's Masque of Oberon, produced January 1, 1611, contains an antimasque of satyrs which may bear some relation to the similar dance in IV, iv, 331 ff.

From An Introduction to Shakespeare by MacCracken, H. N.

Is it correct to describe the parts played by the more rustic characters as a grotesque antimasque to the action of the polished shepherds?

From Pastoral Poetry and Pastoral Drama A Literary Inquiry, with Special Reference to the Pre-Restoration Stage in England by Greg, Walter W.

Shepherds and nymphs constitute the personae of the masque proper, while those of the antimasque are supplied by a band of Bocotian clowns, who come to challenge the Arcadians to the dance.

From Pastoral Poetry and Pastoral Drama A Literary Inquiry, with Special Reference to the Pre-Restoration Stage in England by Greg, Walter W.

The Tempest masque, however, is of the simpler type, without antimasque.

From Pastoral Poetry and Pastoral Drama A Literary Inquiry, with Special Reference to the Pre-Restoration Stage in England by Greg, Walter W.