masque

or mask

[ mask, mahsk ]

noun

1. 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.
2. a dramatic composition for such entertainment.
3. a masquerade; masked ball; revel.
4. mask ( def 14 ).

masque

/ mɑːsk /

noun

1. a dramatic entertainment of the 16th to 17th centuries in England, consisting of pantomime, dancing, dialogue, and song, often performed at court
2. the words and music written for a masque
3. short for masquerade

Word History and Origins

Origin of masque¹

From Middle French, dating back to 1505–15; mask

Word History and Origins

Origin of masque¹

C16: variant of mask

Example Sentences

I also got a hydrating, collagen-boosting facial, an herbal hair steam and a conditioning hair masque.

From Los Angeles Times

By the time you get to the masque near the end, featuring impenetrable spoofs of the nine classical “worthies,” you may doubt young Shakespeare’s judgment of worthiness.

From New York Times

Almost entirely, the ceremonial formality of the coronation resembled an elaborate masque, in which each gorgeously costumed participant played his or her part in creating collective meaning.

From New York Times

Its Baroque references connect medieval France to the glittery splendor of 17th-century allegorical court masques.

From New York Times

Panto has its origins in commedia dell’arte, royal masque and the peculiarities of Victorian theater licensing.

From New York Times