Definition of masquerade

• n. - An assembly of persons wearing masks, and amusing themselves with dancing, conversation, or other diversions.
• n. - A dramatic performance by actors in masks; a mask. See 1st Mask, 4.
• n. - Acting or living under false pretenses; concealment of something by a false or unreal show; pretentious show; disguise.
• n. - A Spanish diversion on horseback.
• v. i. - To assemble in masks; to take part in a masquerade.
• v. i. - To frolic or disport in disquise; to make a pretentious show of being what one is not.
• v. t. - To conceal with masks; to disguise.