An assembly of persons wearing masks, and amusing themselves with dancing, conversation, or other diversions.

A dramatic performance by actors in masks; a mask. See 1st Mask, 4.

Acting or living under false pretenses; concealment of something by a false or unreal show; pretentious show; disguise.

A Spanish diversion on horseback.

To assemble in masks; to take part in a masquerade.

To frolic or disport in disquise; to make a pretentious show of being what one is not.

To conceal with masks; to disguise.

Masked dance.

a party of guests wearing costumes and masks

a costume worn as a disguise at a masquerade party

making a false outward show; "a beggar's masquerade of wealth"

pretend to be someone or something that you are not; "he is masquerading as the expert on the Internet"; "This silly novel is masquerading as a serious historical treaty"

a party or dance at which fancy masks and costumes are worn

A mask or disguise, pretending to be one thing when really something different

Anyone who pretends to be someone they are not in order to obtain access to a computer account is said to be in 'masquerade'. This may be accomplished by providing a false user name, or stealing someone else's password and logging in as him.

A masquerade is a staged costume competition popularized by science fiction conventions. Entries are introduced one at a time by the master of ceremonies, enter the stage, display their costume or act out a short scene, then exit the stage. Entries are typically judged by a panel of experts and prizes awarded.