busby

[ buhz-bee ]

noun

, plural bus·bies.

1. a tall fur hat with a baglike ornament hanging from the top over the right side.
2. the bearskin hat worn by certain British guardsmen.

busby

¹

/ ˈbʌzbɪ /

noun

1. a tall fur helmet with a bag hanging from the top to the right side, worn by certain soldiers, usually hussars, as in the British Army
2. See bearskin
   (not in official usage) another name for bearskin

Busby

²

/ ˈbʌzbɪ /

noun

1. BusbySir Matthew19091994MBritishSPORT AND GAMES: footballerSPORT AND GAMES: football manager Sir Matthew , known as Matt . 1909–94, British footballer. He managed Manchester United (1946–69)

Word History and Origins

Origin of busby¹

First recorded in 1755–65; originally, a bushy wig; of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of busby¹

C18 (in the sense: large bushy wig): perhaps from a proper name

Example Sentences

The hijinx Llewyn finds himself in with the cat is worthy of a Busby Berkeley number.

From The Daily Beast

The manager, Matt Busby, and a young player called Bobby Charlton, were among the few who survived.

From The Daily Beast

"Not as I see," said Mr. Busby, somewhat nervous at being thus brought into the controversy.

From Project Gutenberg

It was about the size of my busby—large enough to hold several pounds of powder.

From Project Gutenberg

Forwards, my boy, and may it be the first step towards changing your busby for a cocked hat.'

From Project Gutenberg

If he had asked me to take his place upon the imperial throne I could only have nodded my busby.

From Project Gutenberg

The bullet scored its way through my hair and burst a hole on each side of my busby.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hat
• helmet
• tiara
• turban