n. 1 either of a pair of thick-soled laced boots worn by an ancient Athenian tragic actor to gain height. 2 (usu. prec. by the) tragic drama; its style or spirit. 3 hist. either of a pair of calf- or knee-high boots of cloth or leather worn in the Middle Ages. buskined adj.
[ prob. f. OF bouzequin, var. of bro(u)sequin, of unkn. orig. ]