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.
Derivatives:
buskined adj.
Etymology: prob. f. OF bouzequin, var. of bro(u)sequin, of unkn. orig.