I. ˌmas-kə-ˈrād noun
Etymology: Middle French, from Old Italian dialect mascarada, from Old Italian maschera mask
Date: 1587
1.
a. : a social gathering of persons wearing masks and often fantastic costumes
b. : a costume for wear at such a gathering
2. : an action or appearance that is mere disguise or show
II. intransitive verb
( -ad·ed ; -ad·ing )
Date: 1677
1.
a. : to disguise oneself ; also : to go about disguised
b. : to take part in a masquerade
2. : to assume the appearance of something one is not
• mas·quer·ad·er noun