sock and buskin en · NOUN
Etymology
Named from two ancient symbols of comedy and tragedy. In ancient Greek theatre, actors in tragic roles wore a boot called a buskin, while those in comedic roles wore a thin-soled "sock" or soccus.
Meanings
- (plural, plural-only, poetic) The theatrical world.
- (metonymically, plural, plural-only) The comedy and tragedy masks.
Synonyms
Thalia and Melpomene · comedy and tragedy
Translations (1)
fr socque et cothurne (footwear symbolizing comedy and tragedy)