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n. 1. a. A costume party at which masks are worn; a masked ball. Also called masque. b. A costume for such a party or ball. 2. a. A disguise or false outward show; a pretense: a masquerade of humility. b. An involved scheme; a charade. intr.v. mas·quer·ad·ed, mas·quer·ad·ing, mas·quer·ades 1. To wear a mask or disguise, as at a masquerade: She masqueraded as a shepherd. 2. To go about as if in disguise; have or put on a deceptive appearance: The stowaway masqueraded as a crew member. [French mascarade, from Italian mascarata, variant of mascherata, from Old Italian maschera, mask; see MASK.] mas′quer·ader n. |
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