MASQUE Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

masque

or mask

[ mask, mahsk ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a form of aristocratic entertainment in England in the 16th and 17th centuries, originally consisting of pantomime and dancing but later including dialogue and song, presented in elaborate productions given by amateur and professional actors.
a dramatic composition for such entertainment.
a masquerade; masked ball; revel.
mask ( def 14 ).

masque

/ ��ɑː�� /

noun

a dramatic entertainment of the 16th to 17th centuries in England, consisting of pantomime, dancing, dialogue, and song, often performed at court
the words and music written for a masque
short for masquerade

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of masque¹

From Middle French, dating back to 1505–15; mask

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of masque¹

C16: variant of mask

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The masque, performed by gentle spirits, enchants the betrothed.

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I also got a hydrating, collagen-boosting facial, an herbal hair steam and a conditioning hair masque.

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By the time you get to the masque near the end, featuring impenetrable spoofs of the nine classical “worthies,” you may doubt young Shakespeare’s judgment of worthiness.

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Almost entirely, the ceremonial formality of the coronation resembled an elaborate masque, in which each gorgeously costumed participant played his or her part in creating collective meaning.

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Its Baroque references connect medieval France to the glittery splendor of 17th-century allegorical court masques.

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