noun
also mask ˈmask, -aa(ə)-, -ai-, -ȧ-
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French masque mask, masquerade, from Old Italian maschera mask — more at mask
1.
a. : masquerade
b. obsolete : a group or company of maskers
c. : masker
2. : a short allegorical dramatic performance popular as court entertainment in 16th and 17th century Europe, performed by masked actors often themselves members of the court, and consisting of dumb show combined with music, dancing, and sometimes poetry culminating in a ceremonial dance participated in by the spectators