{ Mas`o*ret"ic (?), Mas`o*ret"ic*al (?), } a. [Cf. F. massorétique.] Of
or relating to the Masora, or to its authors.
Masoretic points and accents, the vowel points and accents of the
Hebrew text of the Bible, of which the first mention is in the Masora.
Mas"o*rite (?), n. One of the writers of the Masora.
Masque (?), n. A mask; a masquerade.
Mas`quer*ade" (?), n. [F. mascarade, fr. Sp. mascarada, or It.
mascherata. See Mask.]
1. An assembly of persons wearing masks, and amusing themselves with
dancing, conversation, or other diversions.
In courtly balls and midnight masquerades.
Pope.
2. A dramatic performance by actors in masks; a mask. See 1st Mask, 4.
[Obs.]
3. Acting or living under false pretenses; concealment of something by
a false or unreal show; pretentious show; disguise.
That masquerade of misrepresentation which invariably accompanied
the political eloquence of Rome.
De Quincey.