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

She traced her fingers over the sock and buskin masks—one sad, tragic face and one happy, comedic one—waiting for the door to open.

From Literature

The lion's skin had fallen to the floor, and the soft lilac-colored buskins, filigreed with silver, were lying beside my shoes.

From Project Gutenberg

He will have no flowing or trailing vestments; no "Attic buskins," no "Persian sandals."

From Project Gutenberg

Attired with theatrical buskins, a Phrygian cap and a blue chlamys over a transparent tunic, she was taken to the foot of the altar and seated there.

From Project Gutenberg

A lion's head for a cap, a collar, and buskins are the sole articles of dress worn.

From Project Gutenberg