busk
[ buhsk ]
/ bʌsk /
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verb (used without object)
to entertain by dancing, singing, reciting, juggling, etc., on the street or in a public place.
Canadian. to make a showy or noisy appeal.
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Origin of busk
First recorded in 1850–55; origin unclear; perhaps, if earlier sense was “to make a living by entertaining,” from Polari, from Italian buscare “to procure, get, gain,” from Spanish buscar “to look for, seek”
OTHER WORDS FROM busk
busk·er, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use busk in a sentence
She is busking up her hair just as was gude enough for the old nuns, but no for kings and queens.'
Two Penniless Princesses|Charlotte M. YongeYet I had stayed this busking marriage Had not my brothers pressed me to such haste And peace not waited on it.
The Mortal Gods and Other Plays|Olive Tilford DarganThey therefore decided that the band should go out "busking" each evening during Christmas week.
From John O'Groats to Land's End|Robert Naylor and John NaylorA younger daughter was sitting “busking her puppies” (dressing her puppets, dolls), as young girls are used to do.
Witch Stories|E. Lynn (Elizabeth Lynn) Linton
British Dictionary definitions for busk (1 of 3)
busk1
/ (bʌsk) /
noun
a strip of whalebone, wood, steel, etc, inserted into the front of a corset to stiffen it
archaic, or dialect the corset itself
Word Origin for busk
C16: from Old French busc, probably from Old Italian busco splinter, stick, of Germanic origin
British Dictionary definitions for busk (2 of 3)
busk2
/ (bʌsk) /
verb
(intr) British to make money by singing, dancing, acting, etc, in public places, as in front of theatre queues
Derived forms of busk
busker, nounbusking, nounWord Origin for busk
C20: perhaps from Spanish buscar to look for
British Dictionary definitions for busk (3 of 3)
busk3
/ (bʌsk) /
verb (tr) Scot
to make ready; prepare
to dress or adorn
Word Origin for busk
C14: from Old Norse būask, from būa to make ready, dwell; see bower 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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