a kind of shoe, somewhat in manner of a boot, and adapted to either foot, and worn by either sex. This part of dress, covering both the foot and mid-leg, was tied underneath the knee; it was very rich and fine, and principally used on the stage by actors in tragedy. It was of a quadrangular form; and the sole was so thick, as that, by means thereof, men of the ordinary stature might be raised to the pitch and elevation of the heroes they personated. The colour was generally purple on the stage; herein it was distinguished from the sock worn in comedy, that being only a low common shoe. The buskin seems to have been worn not only by actors but by girls, to raise their height; travellers and hunters also made use of it, to defend themselves from the mire. In classic authors, we frequently find the buskin used to signify tragedy itself, in regard it was a mark of tragedy on the stage. It was also to be understood for a lofty strain or high style.