A thick-soled boot that reaches to the calf, historically worn by actors in tragic Greek and Roman plays, or any similar tall boot.
From Middle French 'broquin' or Spanish 'borceguí.' The Greek tragic actors' boot became a symbol of tragedy itself in Western literature.
Ancient actors wore buskins on elevated soles to appear taller and more imposing during tragedies—the physical elevation literally elevated their status, and today 'buskin' still symbolizes serious dramatic tragedy in literature.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.