Masque Meaning
/mæsk/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA dramatic performance, often performed at court as a royal entertainment, consisting of dancing, dialogue, pantomime and song.
nounWords and music written for a masque.
Sentence Examples
The royalty held a grand masque in the palace gardens.
He wore an elaborate costume for the Venetian masque.
The actors performed a traditional masque at court.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
In the 16th century, nobles performed a ____ that combined music, dance, and poetry.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The royal court often held a grand ____ featuring elaborate costumes and theatrical performances.
Word Origin & History
Unadapted borrowing from French masque. Doublet of mask and mesh.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
""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."
— 1834, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter XIX, in Francesca Carrara. […], volume I, London: Richard Bentley, […], (successor to Henry Colburn), →OCLC, page 221:
"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."
— 2010 April 9, Glyn Maxwell, “WH Auden's ‘The Age of Anxiety’”, in The Guardian:
"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."
— 1971, Gwen White, Antique Toys And Their Background, page 184:
"It is even masqued by that sort of good-humoured air that at heart he resents his impressment."
— 1924, Herman Melville, chapter 16, in Billy Budd, London: Constable & Co.:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
In the 16th century, nobles performed a ____ that combined music, dance, and poetry.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The royal court often held a grand ____ featuring elaborate costumes and theatrical performances.