Definition of "masquerade" []

• A costume party at which masks are worn; a masked ball. Also called masque. (noun)
• A costume for such a party or ball. (noun)
• A disguise or false outward show; a pretense: a masquerade of humility. (noun)
• An involved scheme; a charade. (noun)
• To wear a mask or disguise, as at a masquerade: She masqueraded as a shepherd. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The masquerade is where fans play instruments and perform skits, dance numbers, and stand-up comedy in costume."
• "His continuing masquerade is certainly evident in his most recent profanity-filled email to one of my SEAL Teammates … and includes the following colorful statement"
• "The evidence of his shameful masquerade is clear and straightforward."