Definition of: masquerade

(mas′kə·rād′, mäs′-) noun
1. A social party composed of persons masked and costumed; also, the costumes and disguises worn on such an occasion.
2. A false show or disguise.
3. Formerly, a form of dramatic representation.
—v.i. ·ad·ed, ·ad·ing
1. To take part in a masquerade.
2. To wear a mask or disguise.
3. To disguise one's true character; assume a false appearance. See synonyms under MASK¹. [Alter. of F mascarade <Sp. mascarada <máscara a mask. See MASCARA.]
—mas′quer·ad′er noun