masquerading Definition

masquerade
noun

1. A pretence or false show.

Thesaurus: pretence, deception, subterfuge, dissimulation, pose, disguise, imposture, screen, cover-up, counterfeit.
2a. A formal dance at which the guests wear masks and costumes;
(chiefly US)
2b. Any party or gathering to which costumes or disguises are worn; a fancy dress party or ball.
(chiefly US)
3. The costume or disguise worn at a masquerade, etc; fancy dress.

verb, intr masqueraded, masquerading

1. To disguise oneself.
2. To pretend to be someone or something else.

Example: was masquerading as a vicar
Example: a squalid town masquerading as a city

Derivative: masquerader
noun

Etymology: 16c: from Spanish mascarada, from máscara mask.