BUSKIN, a word of uncertain origin, existing in many Euro pean languages [Fr. brousequin, Ital. borzacchino, etc.]. A half boot or high shoe strapped under the ankle, and protecting the shins; the thick-soled boot or cothurnus in the ancient Athenian tragedy, used to increase the stature of the actors, as opposed to the soccus, "sock," the light shoe of comedy. The term is thus often used figuratively of a tragic style.