disguise-n; 3 Senses

Sense Number 1: a costume that provides a pretend identity

Commentary: DISGUISE[+artifact][+costume][+pretend][+identity]

Examples:
This eye patch, dagger and kerchief are part of John's pirate disguise.
In operas, characters often wear disguises to masquerade as other characters.
Even in her disguise as Cleopatra, I still recognized Mary.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2

Sense Number 2: a state of pretending to be someone, something else

Commentary: DISGUISE[+state][+semblance][+outward][+pretense]
NOTE: focus is on a result or state of pretense, not an activity

Examples:
The kids thought the man was a narcotics agent in disguise.
It was actually a blessing in disguise. (somewhat figurative extension)
He threw off his disguise of aloofness and showed his real passion for the project.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 3: the activity of pretending to be someone or something else

Commentary: DISGUISE[+activity][+ongoing][+pretending]
NOTE: focus is on ongoing activity

Examples:
Rows of small children looked at her without disguise.
His government has engaged in too many disguises and subterfuges to be believed now.
Her deferential behavior towards the boss was a disguise that fooled no one in the office.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3