1. A high boot or buskin worn by actors in ancient Greek and Roman tragedy.
Usage: historical; also spelled 'cothurnus'
2. Tragic drama or the tragic style in literature and theater.
Usage: archaic; figurative

Examples

• The actor wore a cothurn to elevate his stature on the stage.
• Ancient Greek tragedians were distinguished by their use of the cothurn.
• The playwright's work was written in the cothurn tradition.
• The cothurn symbolized the gravity and dignity of tragic performance.
• Scholars debate the exact height and construction of the cothurn boot.