Buskin

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A strong, protecting covering for the foot, coming some distance up the leg. The hunted red deer's undressed hide Their hairy buskins well supplied. Sir W. Scott.

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