An Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language / in which the words are explained in their different senses, authorized by the names of the writers by whom they are used, or the titles of the works in which they occur, and deduced from their originals

by John Jamieson

Apparently high-flown language, like that used on the stage; from E. buskin, the high shoe anciently worn by actors.

BUSSIN, s. A linen cap or hood, worn by old women, much the same as [Toy], q. v. West of S.

Perhaps from Moes. G. buss-us, fine linen, Gr. βυσσινον, id.

BUSSING, s. Covering.
Evergreen.

Perhaps from Germ. busch, fascis, a bundle, a fardel.

BUST, s. A box.
V. [Buist].

BUST, BOOST, s. "Tar mark upon sheep, commonly the initials of the proprietor's name," Gl. Sibb.

Perhaps what is taken out of the tar-bust or box.

To BUST, v. a. To powder, to dust with flour, Aberd. [Must], synon.

This v. is probably formed from bust, buist, a box, in allusion to the meal-buist.