Buskin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
đĄ
buskin
[ËbĘs.kÉŞn ]
Definition
theater term
A buskin is a type of boot that is traditionally associated with tragic actors in ancient Greek theater. The term is often used to refer to the elevated status of tragedy as a genre, as opposed to the more casual and comedic styles represented by the 'sock'. Wearing buskins would help to signify the seriousness and grandeur of a tragic performance, elevating the stature of the actor. In modern contexts, it may also be used metaphorically to discuss seriousness in art and literature.
Synonyms
elevated footwear, tragic boot.
Examples of usage
- The tragic hero entered the stage in his buskins, embodying the weight of his sorrow.
- The director chose to focus on the buskin's symbolism in the production.
- Actors often used buskins to distinguish between comedic and serious roles.
Translations
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Origin of 'buskin'
The word 'buskin' originates from the Latin term 'buxinum', which referred to a type of boot. This Latin word was derived further from the Greek word 'buskinos', which indicates a particular style of footwear. Historically, buskins were worn by actors in ancient Greek tragedies to signify their roles and enhance their performances. The distinction between buskin and sock in the context of theater denotes the elevation of tragedy compared to comedy, establishing a lasting cultural reference in literature and drama. Over time, 'buskin' has come to represent not just the physical shoe but also the thematic seriousness associated with tragic performances.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #38,571, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.
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- 38568 repossessing
- 38569 gardened
- 38570 appraisingly
- 38571 buskin
- 38572 claque
- 38573 unbuckle
- 38574 flunking
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