masque
/mɑ:sk/
Definition
- Noun:
- A form of festive courtly entertainment: A "masque" was a type of dramatic entertainment, popular in 16th- and 17th-century Europe, especially in England, involving music, dancing, singing, and acting, often performed by masked amateur actors, typically members of the nobility.
- A party of guests wearing costumes and masks: By extension, "masque" can refer to a masquerade party or ball where guests wear costumes and masks.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- Ben Jonson wrote many masques for the court of King James I.
- The nobles performed in an elaborate masque to celebrate the royal wedding.
- The invitation was for a grand masque at the duke's palace.
Advanced Usage
- "to perform a masque": to stage or act in this specific type of dramatic entertainment.
- The students performed a masque based on classical mythology.
- "court masque": a masque specifically held for royalty or in a royal court setting.
- The court masque was a highlight of the festive season.
Variants and Related Words
- Masquerade (n): A social gathering of people wearing masks and costumes; also, a pretense or disguise.
- The masquerade ball was a glittering affair.
- Mask (n/v): A covering for the face, often worn at a masque; to conceal or disguise.
- He wore a beautiful Venetian mask to the party.
Synonyms
- Pageant: A public entertainment consisting of a procession of people in elaborate costumes, or an elaborate display.
- Spectacle: A visually striking performance or display.
- Masquerade: A party, dance, or other festive gathering of persons wearing masks and costumes.
Related Phrases
- "Masque of the Red Death": A famous short story by Edgar Allan Poe that features a masquerade ball as a central setting.
- The atmosphere in the story was reminiscent of a grotesque masque.
Related Idioms
- (To be) a masquerade: Used figuratively to describe a situation where things or people are not what they seem; a deception.
- His whole life was a masquerade, hiding his true origins.
Noun
-
a party of guests wearing costumes and masks
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