Mask \Mask\ (m[.a]sk), n. [F. masque, LL. masca, mascha, mascus;
cf. Sp. & Pg. m['a]scara, It. maschera; all fr. Ar. maskharat
buffoon, fool, pleasantry, anything ridiculous or mirthful,
fr. sakhira to ridicule, to laugh at. Cf. Masque,
Masquerade.]
1. A cover, or partial cover, for the face, used for disguise
or protection; as, a dancer's mask; a fencer's mask; a
ball player's mask.
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2. That which disguises; a pretext or subterfuge.
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3. A festive entertainment of dancing or other diversions,
where all wear masks; a masquerade; hence, a revel; a
frolic; a delusive show. --Bacon.
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This thought might lead me through the world's vain
mask. --Milton.
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4. A dramatic performance, formerly in vogue, in which the
actors wore masks and represented mythical or allegorical
characters.
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5. (Arch.) A grotesque head or face, used to adorn keystones
and other prominent parts, to spout water in fountains,
and the like; -- called also mascaron.
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6. (Fort.)
(a) In a permanent fortification, a redoubt which protects
the caponiere.
(b) A screen for a battery.
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7. (Zool.) The lower lip of the larva of a dragon fly,
modified so as to form a prehensile organ.
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8. A person wearing a mask; a masker.
The mask that has the arm of the Indian queen. --G.
W. Cable.
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9. (Sporting) The head or face of a fox.
Mask house, a house for masquerades. [Obs.]
Death mask, a cast of the face of a dead person.
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