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

e or superior skill and power; showing a master's hand; as, a masterly design; a masterly performance; a masterly policy. "A wise and masterly inactivity." Sir J. Mackintosh.

Anything done or made with extraordinary skill; a capital performance; a chef-d'oeuvre; a supreme achievement. The top and masterpiece of art. South. Dissimulation was his masterpiece. Claredon.

efined quantity; extent; degree. There is a great measure of discretion to be used in the performance of confession. Jer. Taylor.

To earn by service or performance; to have a right to claim as reward; to deserve; sometimes, to deserve in a bad sense; as, to merit punishment. "This kindness merits thanks." Shak.

reight cars. -- Mixed voices (Mus.), voices of both males and females united in the same performance.

virtue of which it is in the agent's power, having all things ready and requisite to the performance of an action, either to perform or not perform it. South.

or the payment of a debt or the preformance of a duty, and to become void upon payment or performance according to the stipulated terms; also, the written instrument by which the conveyance is made.

d uplift of motherhood by the loving remembrance of each person of his mother through the performance of some act of kindness, visit, tribute, or letter. The founder of the day is Anna Jarvis, of Philadelphia, who designated the second Sunday in May, or for schools the second Friday, as the time, and a white carnation…

lace for public musical entertainments; specif. (Eng.), esp. a public hall for vaudeville performances, in which smoking and drinking are usually allowed in the auditorium.

Excellent in character, skill, or performance, etc.; nice; finished; adroit; as, a neat design; a neat thief.

Neglect or failure of execution; nonperformance.

ing tissues take up, from the blood, matters necessary either for their repair or for the performance of their healthy functions.

Binding in law or conscience; imposing duty or obligation; requiring performance or forbearance of some act; -- often followed by on or upon; as, obedience is obligatory on a soldier. As long as the law is obligatory, so long our obedience is due. Jer. Taylor.

act or practice of observing or noticing with attention; a heeding or keeping with care; performance; -- usually with a sense of strictness and fidelity; as, the observance of the Sabbath is general; the strict observance of duties. It is a custom More honored in the breach than the observance. Shak.…

Performance of what is prescribed; adherence in practice; observance. [Obs.] We are to procure dispensation or leave to omit the observation of it in such circumstances. Jer. Taylor.

ntended for prizes; -- hence, in modern usage, the name of a hall for musical or dramatic performances.

Denoting performance or action by contact with the surface, upper part, or outside of anything; hence, by means of; with; as, to play on a violin or piano. Hence, figuratively, to work on one's feelings; to make an impression on the mind.

In cost accounting, expenditure which is involved in the process of manufacture or the performance of work and which cannot be charged directly to any particular article manufactured or work done (as where different kinds of goods are produced), but must be allocated so that each kind of goods or work shall bear its pr…

a hat, a gentleman's folding hat. -- Opera house, specifically, a theater devoted to the performance of operas. -- Opera seria Etym: [It.], serious or tragic opera; grand opera.