busk

• POS: Noun, Verb (intransitive), Verb (transitive)

CIDE DICTIONARY

busk, 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."  [1913 Webster]

busk, 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.]

busk, v. t. & i. [OE. busken, fr. Icel. b to make one's self ready, rexlexive of b to prepare, dwell. Cf. 8th Bound.].

•  To prepare; to make ready; to array; to dress.  [1913 Webster]

  "Busk you, busk you, my bonny, bonny bride."  [1913 Webster]
•  To go; to direct one's course.  [1913 Webster]

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