MASQUE

Masque

The masque was a form of festive courtly entertainment that flourished in 16th- and early 17th-century Europe, though it was developed earlier in Italy, in forms including the intermedio . A masque involved music and dancing, singing and acting, within an elaborate stage design, in which the architectural framing and costumes might be designed by a renowned architect, to present a deferential allegory flattering to the patron. Professional actors and musicians were hired for the speaking and singing parts. Often, the masquers who did not speak or sing were courtiers: King James I's queen consort, Anne of Denmark, frequently danced with her ladies in masques ...

The above text is a snippet from Wikipedia: Masque
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

masque

Noun

  1. (in 16th-17th Century England & Europe) A dramatic performance, often performed at court as a royal entertainment, consisting of dancing, dialogue, pantomime and song.
  2. Words and music written for a masque.
  3. A shortening of the word masquerade.
  4. A facial mask.
    mud masque; clay masque

Verb



The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: masque
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

Need help with a clue?
Try your search in the crossword dictionary!