buskin

American  

[buhs-kin] / ˈbʌs kɪn /

noun

1. a thick-soled, laced boot or half boot.

2. Also called cothurnus.  the high, thick-soled shoe worn by ancient Greek and Roman tragedians.

3. buskins, stockings decorated with gold thread worn by a bishop at a Pontifical Mass.

4. tragic drama; tragedy.

5. the art of acting, especially tragic acting.

6. a woman's low-cut shoe with elastic gores at the sides of the instep, popular in the early 20th century.

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buskin British  

/ ˈbʌskɪn /

noun

1. (formerly) a sandal-like covering for the foot and leg, reaching the calf and usually laced

2. Also called: cothurnus.  a thick-soled laced half boot resembling this, worn esp by actors of ancient Greece

3. literary tragic drama

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Etymology

Origin of buskin

1495–1505; probably alteration of Middle French bro ( u ) sequin, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Buskin & Sock Sirs: In my study of drama, I find the buskin, or boot, signifies a tragedy; and the sock, similar to a light moccasin, denotes a comedy.

From Time Magazine Archive

Buskin and Roosevelt were 24 when they composed, respectively, Modern Painters and The War of 1812.

From Time Magazine Archive

It was just two o’clock, and I had sent Buskin to bed.

From Susan A Story for Children by Walton, Amy

Though the picture she presented was stamped on his mind as resembling the proud mien of the girl in Whistler’s Yellow Buskin, he didn’t think of that till later.

From The Dust Flower by Kline, Hibberd V. B. (Hibberd Van Buren)

Shiver my hulk, Mr. Buskin, if you wore a lion's skin, I'd curry you for this.

From Wild Oats or, The Strolling Gentlemen by Anonymous