A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Mask, Maske, n.3 [e.m.E. mask(e (1514), measque (1534), masque (1591), F. masque.]
1. A mask for the face.a. For disguise or as part of a costume in a ‘masque’ (see sense 2). b. For protection to the face in armed combat.a. 1565 Treas. Acc. XI. 358.
vj maskis, the pece xx s. … ij pair of gluffis 1572 Buch. Detect. (1727) 22.
Allace, I have meikle offendit toward Sebastiane this day, that I come not in ane maske at his mariage 1591 Edinb. B. Rec. V. 332.
For xvij maskis that hingis in the counsall hous to the Moiris … 33 s. 1605
Aberd. B. Rec. in Mill Mediæv. Plays 163.
The young wemen … dansing … with maskis on thair faces, thairby passing the bounds of modestie and schamefastnes 1643 Edinb. Test. LX. 233.
Threttie sevin maskis plane estimat all to [£11. 2. 0.]. Item, [41] ribbennet maskis estimat all to [£14. 12. 0.]. Item [48] peirlet maskis estimat all to [£26. 8. 0.]b. 1606 Edinb. Test. XLI. 168.
Ane mask and ane hagbut
c. fig. in cloke mask (see Cloke n.1 2).
d. Attrib. in mask dans, a dance performed by masked characters, = next sense.1581 Treas. Acc. MS. 96 (2) b.
For furnessing of necessar apparrell and wappinnis to a mask dans as is requisite [£66. 13s.]
2. A masque, an entertainment consisting of dancing and acting performed by persons dressed and masked in character.1564–5 Treas. Acc. XI. 347.
To the painter for the mask on fastronis evin to Marie Levingstonis mariage, xij li. 1568 Buch. Indict. 42.
The Quene … said, I haif faillit to Bastiane that hes nocht geven hym the mask this nycht of his mariage 1572 Sempill Sat. P. xxxviii. 7.
Ȝone mask the Quene Mother hes maid thame in France Was maikles c1680 W. Row Blair 352.
Ringing of bells, bonfires, balls and masks, and … expressions of joy
