busking

[ buhs-king ]

noun

1. the act or practice of entertaining by dancing, singing, juggling, etc., on the street or in a public place:

   When I lived and studied in London for a year and a half, I brought my guitar along and did some busking in the streets.

adjective

1. engaged in this kind of public entertainment:

   My interviewee was late meeting me in the square, so while waiting I struck up a conversation with a busking musician.

Word History and Origins

Origin of busking¹

First recorded in 1770–80; busk ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun; busk ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective

Example Sentences

She is busking up her hair just as was gude enough for the old nuns, but no for kings and queens.'

From Project Gutenberg

Yet I had stayed this busking marriage Had not my brothers pressed me to such haste And peace not waited on it.

From Project Gutenberg

They therefore decided that the band should go out "busking" each evening during Christmas week.

From Project Gutenberg

A younger daughter was sitting “busking her puppies” (dressing her puppets, dolls), as young girls are used to do.

From Project Gutenberg