Mask /(mȧsk)/

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.

   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. A grotesque head or face, used to adorn keystones and other prominent parts, to spout water in fountains, and the like; -- called also mascaron. (Arch.)
6. In a permanent fortification, a redoubt which protects the caponiere. (Fort.)
7. The lower lip of the larva of a dragon fly, modified so as to form a prehensile organ. (Zool.)
8. A person wearing a mask; a masker.

   The mask that has the arm of the Indian queen.

9. The head or face of a fox. (Sporting)

imp. & p. p. Masked; p. pr. & vb. n. Masking

1. To cover, as the face, by way of concealment or defense against injury; to conceal with a mask or visor.

   They must all be masked and vizarded.

2. To disguise; to cover; to hide.

   Masking the business from the common eye.

3. To conceal; also, to intervene in the line of. (Mil.)

1. To take part as a masker in a masquerade.
2. To wear a mask; to be disguised in any way.