1. plural of masque: elaborate dramatic entertainments popular in 16th and 17th century European courts, featuring music, dancing, poetry, and elaborate costumes and scenery
Usage: historical; literary
2. plural of masque: masks or face coverings, especially decorative ones
Usage: archaic or poetic

Examples

• The royal court enjoyed elaborate masques during the Renaissance.
• Ben Jonson wrote several famous masques for King James I.
• The masques featured intricate costumes and mythological themes.
• Nobles participated in these theatrical masques as performers.
• The dancers wore beautiful masques decorated with feathers and jewels.
• These courtly masques combined poetry, music, and visual spectacle.