busks

Busks, in the plural, are street performers who entertain in public spaces for gratuities. The practice, known as busking, spans music, dance, mime, magic, and theater, and performers typically travel lightweight gear such as portable instruments and small sound systems. Busking takes place in city squares, shopping streets, markets, and transit hubs, often under local regulations that may require permits, time limits, or noise restrictions. Etiquette varies by city, but common norms include asking permission to perform, yielding space to pedestrians, and sharing tips with passersby. The public performance environment is informal, with performance schedules and audiences highly variable, and many buskers rely on tips or sponsorship from venues.

A busk also refers to a rigid strip used in garment construction, especially corsets and bodices, to provide structure and support. Typically made of steel or durable plastic, a busk consists of two long, flat elements with holes for lacing and metal ends to prevent fraying. It is inserted between garment panels and can be opened or removed for putting on or taking off the garment. In historical fashion, corsets used busks to stabilize the silhouette; contemporary corsetry still employs similar components, though materials and designs vary.

In summary, the term busks can denote either street-performance devices used by performers to shape their acts and earn income, or rigid garment components that provide structure to corsets and similar apparel. Context determines which meaning is intended.