Dictionary entry

Busk

Webster's Dictionary 1913

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.