masks

Noun

mask (plural masks)

1. A cover, or partial cover, for the face, used for disguise or protection.
   • a dancer's mask; a fencer's mask; a ball player's mask
2. That which disguises; a pretext or subterfuge.
   • Grouchy and wary and tender, he’s a sozzled hedonist seemingly out for himself—though his party-animal facade is just a mask for his bottomless generosity.2021 October 26, Stephanie Zacharek, “The 19 Most Underrated Movies on Netflix”, in Time, archived from the original on 16 Apr 2022
3. (poetic) Appearance, likeness.
   • Come then, pure hands, and bear the head
     ⁠That sleeps or wears the mask of sleep,
     ⁠And come, whatever loves to weep,
     And hear the ritual of the dead.1850, [Alfred, Lord Tennyson], “Canto XVIII”, in In Memoriam, London: Edward Moxon, […], →OCLC, page 30
4. A festive entertainment of dancing or other diversions, where all wear masks; a masquerade.
   • This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask.1667, John Milton, “(please specify the page number)”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker...
5. A person wearing a mask.
   • the mask that has the arm of the Indian queen1880, George Washington Cable, The Grandissimes: A Story of Creole Life
6. (obsolete) A dramatic performance in which the actors wore masks and represented mythical or allegorical characters.

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