Disguise

(72), v. t. [imp. & p. p. DISGUISED; p. pr. & vb. n. DISGUISING.] [Prefix dis and guise, n., q. v., O. Fr. desguiser, now déguiser, Pr. desguisar.] 1. To change the guise or appearance of; especially, to conceal by an unusual dress, or one intended to deceive; to hide by a counterfeit appearance; to cloak by a language or manner fitted to mislead; to mask; as, to disguise anger, sentiments, intentions. Bunyan was forced to disguise himself as a wagoner. Macaulay. 2. To affect or change by liquor; to intoxicate. I have just left the right worshipful, and his myrmidons; about a sneaker of five gallons; the whole magistracy was pretty well disguised before I gave them the slip. Spectator. Syn.—To conceal; hide; dissemble; secrete. See CONCEAL.

n. 1. A dress or exterior put on for purposes of concealment or of deception; as, persons doing unlawful acts in disguise are subjected to heavy penalties.

2Sense 2. Artificial language or manner assumed for deception; a false appearance; a counterfeit semblance or show. “That eye which glances through all disguises.” D. Webster.

3Sense 3. Change of manner by drink; intoxication.

4Sense 4. A masque or masquerade.

Disguise was the old English word for a masque. B. Jonson.