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Webster 1913 Edition

Buskin

Bus′kin

,
Noun.
[Prob. from OF.
brossequin
, or D.
broosken
. See
Brodekin
.]
1.
A strong, protecting covering for the foot, coming some distance up the leg.
The hunted red deer’s undressed hide
Their hairy
buskins
well supplied.
Sir W. Scott.
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.
Great Fletcher never treads in
buskins
here,
No greater Jonson dares in socks appear.
Dryden.

Webster 1828 Edition

Buskin

BUSK'IN

,
Noun.
A kind of half boot, or high shoe, covering the foot and leg to the middle and tied underneath the knee, worn by actors in tragedy on the state. The buskins of the ancients had very thick soles, to raise the actors and actresses to the stature of the persons they represented.
1.
In classic authors, the word is used for tragedy.

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