MASQUERADE

masquerade. Masquerade, n. a masked assembly, disguise, cover

---

Mas′quer‐ade″ (?), n. [[F. mascarade, fr. Sp. mascarada, or It. mascherata. See Mask.]] 1. 1. An assembly of persons wearing masks, and amusing themselves with dancing, conversation, or other diversions.
In courtly balls and midnight masquerades. Pope. 2. 2. A dramatic performance by actors in masks; a mask. See 1st Mask, 4.
3. 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. 4. A Spanish diversion on horseback.