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buskin

buskin

1 9.9
A tall leather boot that covers the foot and lower leg, worn in old plays and costumes
  • noun
  • /ˈbʌskɪn/
  • Archaic
translation icon : buskin
  • Pouce and Poussy would go into dress shops or into a shoe shop, and they would try on dresses and sandals that looked like Roman buskins, ignoring the two boys waiting outside who were waving and making faces at them through the window.

Examples

  • But that, forsooth, the bouncing Amazon, your buskin'd mistress and your warrior love, to theseus must be wedded, and you come to give their bed joy and prosperity.

  • During the play, she donned elegant buskins to enhance her character's heroic stature.

  • A commenter added that he also seemed to be wearing buskins.

    Blog text (24)
  • Many plumes, swords, ruffs, pantaloons, and buskins complete the picture.

    Academic text (2013)
  • The ancient Greek actor wore a pair of buskins that reached halfway up his calves.

  • At the costume party, he chose to wear buskins to mimic the style of ancient Roman performers.

Synonyms

top boot
vsbuskin
  • Archaic
1 7.7

A tall leather shoe that reaches halfway to the knee and is worn for riding or historical dress

is mainly for theatrical or traditional costume use rather than riding
half boot
vsbuskin
1 3.4

A short boot that covers the ankle and lower calf, reaching halfway to the knee

is linked mainly to actors and traditional costume rather than general footwear

How High

knee-high
1 2.7
buskin
  • Archaic
1 9.9
boot
574 1.0
shoe
1.0

Surface Forms

buskin singular
buskins plural

Etymology

The word buskin comes from old words for a high, practical 'boot' worn long ago by actors and soldiers, so it originally meant a boot that came up toward the knee. That's why today a buskin is a type of tall boot often seen in ancient costume.