Mās'quer-āde'1, n.
(mās'ker-ād'), n. [Fr. mascarade, Sp. mascarada, It. mascherata. See MASK.]
Sense 1. An assembly of persons wearing masks, and amusing themselves with dancing, conversation, and other diversions. “In courtly balls and midnight masquerades.” Pope.
Sense 2. Intentional or elaborate hiding of what is real or true under a false show; disguise. “That masquerade of misrepresentations which invariably accompanied the political eloquence of Rome.” De Quincey.
I came to visit thee in masquerade. Dryden.
Sense 3. A Spanish diversion on horseback.