a system of means and activities whereby a social institution functions; "the complex machinery of negotiation"; "the machinery of command labored and brought forth an order"
to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds; "Scientists supposed that large dinosaurs lived in swamps"
talk over conjecturally, or review in an idle or casual way and with an element of doubt or without sufficient reason to reach a conclusion; "We were speculating whether the President had to resign after the scandal"
invest at a risk; "I bought this house not because I want to live in it but to sell it later at a good price, so I am speculating"
making a false outward show; "a beggar's masquerade of wealth"
a party of guests wearing costumes and masks
pretend to be someone or something that you are not; "he is masquerading as an expert on the Internet"; "This silly novel is masquerading as a serious historical treaty"