antimasque

A short, humorous antimasque is performed between the acts of the main play.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A comic or grotesque performance: "antimasque" refers to a short, humorous, or grotesque interlude performed between the acts of a masque, typically featuring dancers or actors in exaggerated costumes. It serves as a contrast to the main, more serious masque.

Usage Examples

• (A humorous interlude within a larger theatrical work.)
• (A specific type of performance in historical masques.)

Advanced Usage

• "to precede with an antimasque": to introduce a masque with a contrasting comedic or grotesque piece.
  • The playwright chose to precede the solemn masque with a lively antimasque. (To begin the main performance with a humorous interlude.)

Variants and Related Words

• Antimask (n): an alternative spelling of "antimasque."
  • The antimask featured acrobats and jesters. (A variant form of the same word.)
• Masque (n): a form of dramatic entertainment, often with music and dance, popular in the 16th and 17th centuries.
  • The masque was a lavish court spectacle. (The main performance that the antimasque contrasts with.)

Synonyms

• Interlude: a short performance or piece of entertainment inserted between parts of a longer work.
• Grotesque: a style of art or performance characterized by bizarre or fantastical elements.

Related Idioms

• (No common idioms directly associated with "antimasque" due to its specialized historical context.)