guises

Guises are outward appearances, forms, or modes of conduct that may conceal or alter the true nature of a person or thing. A guise can be literal—such as clothing, makeup, or a disguise—or figurative, referring to a deliberate presentation or facade intended to influence perception. The word derives from Old French guise, meaning appearance or dress.

In literature and theater, disguises and guises are common devices to advance plots and reveal character. In everyday use, people may act under the guise of a role or authority, or present themselves under a false guise to mislead. The phrase under the guise of signals deception or justification that may not reflect reality.

Disguise versus guise: a disguise is a concrete concealment of identity, whereas a guise is the broader presentation of form or persona. The plural guises is used to refer to multiple forms of presentation.

Historical note: The House of Guise was a prominent French noble family during the 16th century, influential in the French Wars of Religion. The surname derives from the town of Guise in Picardy. In modern usage, the term continues to describe any externally adopted form or persona.