masque

Definition

A dramatic performance, often performed at court as a royal entertainment, consisting of dancing, dialogue, pantomime and song.

Etymology

Unadapted borrowing from French masque. Doublet of mask and mesh.

Example Sentences

• ""I think," said Anne to Madame de Mercœur, "we must obtain your protégée's services for our intended masque; however, I shall leave that to you young people to settle," turning to Louis as she spoke."
• "Over six sections – a prologue, a life-story, a dream-quest, a dirge, a masque and an epilogue – they meditate on their lives, their hopes, their losses, and on the human condition."
• "The game of pretence is enhanced by dressing-up, and it is natural for a child to copy some grown-up hero. The game was also played by all those people who have attended masques and fancy-dress parties and by Marie-Antoinette when she played at being a milkmaid, it is only the fashion which had altered."