n. [ F. busc, perh. fr. the hypothetical older form of E. bois wood, because the first busks were made of wood. See Bush, and cf. OF. busche, F. bûche, a piece or log of wood, fr. the same root. ] A thin, elastic strip of metal, whalebone, wood, or other material, worn in the front of a corset. [ 1913 Webster ]

Her long slit sleeves, stiff busk, puff verdingall,
Is all that makes her thus angelical. Marston. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Among the Creek Indians, a feast of first fruits celebrated when the corn is ripe enough to be eaten. The feast usually continues four days. On the first day the new fire is lighted, by friction of wood, and distributed to the various households, an offering of green corn, including an ear brought from each of the four quarters or directions, is consumed, and medicine is brewed from snakeroot. On the second and third days the men physic with the medicine, the women bathe, the two sexes are taboo to one another, and all fast. On the fourth day there are feasting, dancing, and games. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Busked ] 1. To entertain people for money in a public place, by dancing, singing, playing a musical instrument, or reciting. [ Chiefly Brit. ] [ RH ]

2. To make a noisy or showy appeal. [ RH ]

v. t. & i. [ imp. & p. p. Busked ] [ OE. busken, fr. Icel. būask to make one's self ready, rexlexive of būa to prepare, dwell. Cf. 8th Bound. ] 1. To prepare; to make ready; to array; to dress. [ Scot. & Old Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Busk you, busk you, my bonny, bonny bride. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To go; to direct one's course. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Ye might have busked you to Huntly banks. Skelton. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Wearing a busk. Pollok. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. a person who entertains people for money in public places (as by singing or dancing). [ Chiefly British ] [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ See Bosket, Bouquet. ] 1. A small bush; also, a sprig or bouquet. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A part of a garden devoted to shrubs. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Prob. from OF. brossequin, or D. broosken. See Brodekin. ] 1. A strong, protecting covering for the foot, coming some distance up the leg. [ 1913 Webster ]

The hunted red deer's undressed hide
Their hairy buskins well supplied. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A similar covering for the foot and leg, made with very thick soles, to give an appearance of elevation to the stature; -- worn by tragic actors in ancient Greece and Rome. Used as a symbol of tragedy, or the tragic drama, as distinguished from comedy. [ 1913 Webster ]

Great Fletcher never treads in buskins here,
No greater Jonson dares in socks appear. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Wearing buskins. [ 1913 Webster ]

Her buskined virgins traced the dewy lawn. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Trodden by buskins; pertaining to tragedy. “The buskined stage.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. See Bosky, and 1st Bush, n. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]