Webster's English Dictionary

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masquerade

1. mas.quer.ade \.mas-k*-'ra-d\ n [MF, fr. OIt dial. mascarada, fr. OIt 
   maschera] 1a: a social gathering of persons wearing masks and often 
   fantastic costume s 1b: a costume for wear at such a gathering  2: an 
   action or appearance that is mere disguise or outward show 
2. masquerade vi 1a: to disguise oneself; also : to go about disguised  1b: 
   to take part in a masquerade  2: to pass oneself off as something one is 
   not : POSE  - mas.quer.ad.er n