Masquerade
/ˌmæskəˈreɪd/noun
A masked ball or costume party, or the act of disguising oneself.
Did you know?The word entered English through French and Italian mask culture, and its deeper trail leads back to a root meaning “soot” or “blackened face,” linking disguise to the ancient art of concealment.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
mascarade
“A masked dance or entertainment; a disguise in costume.”
16th Century
French
mascarade
“A masked ball or procession; a performance in disguise.”
16th Century
Italian
mascherata
“A masquerade, masked entertainment.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
masca
“A mask, specter, or witch-like being.”
Pre-Roman / Germanic
Germanic
maska
“Mask; something used to cover or conceal the face.”