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Webster 1913 Edition

(k?′th?rn)

Noun.

[L.

cothurnus

, Gr. [GREEK][GREEK][GREEK][GREEK]. Cf.

A buskin anciently used by tragic actors on the stage; hence, tragedy in general.

The moment had arrived when it was thought that the mask and the

cothurn

might be assumed with effect.

Motley.

cothurn ‎(plural cothurns)

A buskin anciently worn by tragic actors on the stage.
- Motley
  The moment had arrived when it was thought that the mask and the cothurn might be assumed with effect.