Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MASK, n. [Fr. masque; It. maschera. Sp. and Port. mascara; Arm. masel; D. masker; G. maske.]

1. A cover for the face; that which conceals the face, especially a cover with apertures for the eyes and mouth; a visor. A mask is designed to conceal the face from beholders, or to preserve the complexion from injury by exposure to the weather and the rays of the sun. Encyc.
2. That which disguises; any pretense or subterfuge. Prior
3. A festive entertainment of dancing or other diversions, in which the company all wear masks; a masquerade. Shak.
4. A revel; a bustle; a piece of mummery. This thought might lead through this world's vain mask. Milton
5. A dramatic performance written in a tragic style, without attention to rules or probability. Peacham.
6. In architecture, a piece of sculpture representing some grotesque form, to fill and adorn vacant places, as in friezes, panels of doors, keys of arches, &c. Encyc.