Mask

Study of a Seated Nude Woman Wearing Mask (c. 1865-66) by Thomas Eakins

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A Scheme for abolishing all Words is one of the wittiest and smartest comments on semantics. (Illustration: extreme close-up from the movie "The Big Swallow" (1901), produced and directed by James Williamson (1855-1933)

A cover, or partial cover, for the face, used for disguise or protection
a dancer's mask; a fencer's mask; a ball player's mask
That which disguises; a pretext or subterfuge.
A festive entertainment of dancing or other diversions, where all wear masks; a masquerade; hence, a revel; a frolic; a delusive show - Bacon
- Milton:
  This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask.
A dramatic performance, formerly in vogue, in which the actors wore masks and represented mythical or allegorical characters.
(architecture) A grotesque head or face, used to adorn keystones and other prominent parts, to spout water in fountains, and the like; -- called also mascaron.

See also