Busk (bŭsk), 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.
Busk (bŭsk), 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.
Her long slit sleeves, stiff busk, puff
verdingall,
Is all that makes her thus angelical.
Marston.
Busk, v. t. & i. [imp. & p.
p. Busked (bŭskt).] [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.]
Busk you, busk you, my bonny, bonny bride.
Hamilton.
2. To go; to direct one's course. [Obs.]
Ye might have busked you to Huntly banks.
Skelton.