domino

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a small rectangular game tile divided into two squares marked with dots

   She placed the final domino beside a tile with matching dots.

2. 2
   noun

   a loose hooded cloak worn with a mask as a masquerade costume

   The costumier displayed silk dominoes beside the theatrical masks.

3. 3
   noun

   a small mask covering the area around the eyes

   A black domino concealed the upper half of his face at the ball.

Borrowed from French domino, first denoting a hooded masquerade cloak and earlier a priest's winter hood, probably from Latin dominus ("lord, master"). The name later passed to the black-and-white game tile, perhaps through a resemblance to the costume.

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