buskin

2 definitions found

buskin - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Buskin \Bus"kin\, n. [Prob. from OF. brossequin, or D. broosken.
     See Brodekin.]
     1. A strong, protecting covering for the foot, coming some
        distance up the leg.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The hunted red deer's undressed hide
              Their hairy buskins well supplied.    --Sir W.
                                                    Scott.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A similar covering for the foot and leg, made with very
        thick soles, to give an appearance of elevation to the
        stature; -- worn by tragic actors in ancient Greece and
        Rome. Used as a symbol of tragedy, or the tragic drama, as
        distinguished from comedy.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Great Fletcher never treads in buskins here,
              No greater Jonson dares in socks appear. --Dryden.
        [1913 Webster]

buskin - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  buskin
      n 1: a boot reaching halfway up to the knee [syn: buskin,
           combat boot, desert boot, half boot, top boot]