masque
or mask
[ mask, mahsk ]
/ mæsk, mɑsk /
noun
a form of aristocratic entertainment in England in the 16th and 17th centuries, originally consisting of pantomime and dancing but later including dialogue and song, presented in elaborate productions given by amateur and professional actors.
a dramatic composition for such entertainment.
a masquerade; masked ball; revel.
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Origin of masque
From Middle French, dating back to 1505–15; see origin at mask
Words nearby masque
Masorete, Masoretic, Maspero, mas. pil., Masqat, masque, masque biliaire, masquer, masquerade, mass, massa
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for masque
British Dictionary definitions for masque
masque
mask
/ (mɑːsk) /
noun
a dramatic entertainment of the 16th to 17th centuries in England, consisting of pantomime, dancing, dialogue, and song, often performed at court
the words and music written for a masque
short for masquerade
Word Origin for masque
C16: variant of mask
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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