"Masque" refers to a type of elaborate courtly entertainment that was popular in England during the 16th and 17th centuries, involving music, dancing, acting, and ornate costumes, often performed for royalty or the nobility. Unlike a simple mask, which is just a covering for the face, a masque was a full theatrical event that often included allegorical and symbolic themes, and was usually staged at grand occasions in the presence of important guests.
Key Meanings
- In historical contexts, "masque" means a type of dramatic performance featuring masked actors, music, and dance, typical of European aristocratic society in the Renaissance period.
- The term can also refer to the decorative face coverings worn in these productions, and today it is sometimes used metaphorically for lavish pageantry or special artistic events.
Usage Example
- The royal court enjoyed a masque that featured a dramatic allegory of the monarch's wisdom.
Modern Uses
- In contemporary times, "masque" can refer to certain beauty or hair treatments, such as a face masque or hair masque, which is a product applied to improve appearance or health.
Etymology
- The word "masque" comes from French and Italian origins, ultimately tracing back to Medieval Latin "masca" meaning "mask" or "specter".
In summary, "masque" is most closely associated with historical, aristocratic entertainment, but may also be encountered in modern beauty contexts as a term for a facial or hair mask.
