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Mask (?), n. [F. masque, LL.
masca, mascha, mascus; cf. Sp. & Pg.
máscara, It. maschera; all fr. Ar.
maskharat buffoon, fool, pleasantry, anything ridiculous or
mirthful, fr. sakhira to ridicule, to laugh at. Cf.
Masque, Masquerade.] 1. A cover,
or partial cover, for the face, used for disguise or protection; as,
a dancer's mask; a fencer's mask; a ball player's
mask.

2. That which disguises; a pretext or
subterfuge.

3. A festive entertainment of dancing or
other diversions, where all wear masks; a masquerade; hence, a revel;
a frolic; a delusive show. Bacon.

This thought might lead me through the world's vain
mask.

4. A dramatic performance, formerly in vogue,
in which the actors wore masks and represented mythical or
allegorical characters.

5. (Arch.) A grotesque head or face,
used to adorn keystones and other prominent parts, to spout water in
fountains, and the like; -- called also mascaron.


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