mas·quer·ade 
(măs′kə-rād)
(măs′kə-rād)n.
1.
a. A costume party at which masks are worn; a masked ball. Also called masque.
b. A costume for such a party or ball.
2.
a. A disguise or false outward show; a pretense: a masquerade of humility.
b. An involved scheme; a charade.
intr.v. mas·quer·ad·ed, mas·quer·ad·ing, mas·quer·ades
1. To wear a mask or disguise, as at a masquerade: She masqueraded as a shepherd.
2. To go about as if in disguise; have or put on a deceptive appearance: The stowaway masqueraded as a crew member.
[French mascarade, from Italian mascarata, variant of mascherata, from Old Italian maschera, mask; see MASK.]
mas′quer·ader n.