buskin

[ buhs-kin ]

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. Compare sock ¹( def 3 ).
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.

buskin

/ ˈbʌskɪn /

noun

1. (formerly) a sandal-like covering for the foot and leg, reaching the calf and usually laced
2. Also calledcothurnus a thick-soled laced half boot resembling this, worn esp by actors of ancient Greece
3. the buskin literary.
   tragic drama

Word History and Origins

Origin of buskin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of buskin¹

C16: perhaps from Spanish borzeguí ; related to Old French bouzequin , Italian borzacchino , of obscure origin

Example Sentences

We are pleased to find a small man without the buskin, and obvious sentiments stated without affectation.

From Project Gutenberg

At this point o'erpower'd I fail, Unequal to my theme, as never bard Of buskin or of sock hath fail'd before.

From Project Gutenberg

Better to wear mask and buskin than to mar by any modernity of expression the calm majesty of Melpomene.

From Project Gutenberg

Tyrian maidens are wont ever to wear the quiver, to tie the purple buskin high above their ankle.

From Project Gutenberg

Such an undertaking by no means befits the low-heeled buskin of modern fiction.

From Project Gutenberg