▪ I. † ˈruskin1 Obs.
In 5–6 ruskyn.
Some kind of fur. Also attrib.
| [1287 in Rogers Agric. & Prices (1866) I. xxii. 583 In the year 1287 the fur is called ‘squirrel and ruskin’.] 1427 Will M. Colbroke, Comm. Ct. London (MS.), Unam togam de blod furratam cum Ruskyn wombes. a 1550 Treat. Galaunt (1860) 17 Thou ruskyn galaunt, that pouerte doth menace For all thy warrocked hoode, and thy proude araye. |
▪ II. † ˈruskin2 Obs.
Also 8 ruscan, rouskin.
[a. Ir. rusgán, f. rusg bark: cf. rusky.]
a. A vessel made of bark or roots. b. Butter preserved in a vessel of this kind.
| 1679 Blount Anc. Tenures 80 A Tub of Butter, in Ireland still called a Ruskin [printed Rushin] of Butter. 1710 Phil. Trans. XXVII. 305 They at several Feet deep cut thro' what the Irish call a Ruskin of Butter (which was a Firkin, or Vessel, made of the Barks of Trees..). 1719 D'Urfey Pills IV. 325, I have..Ruscan and Cream joy, Wherewith you may slabber you. 1797 Encycl. Brit. (ed. 3) IX. 344/1 Butter, called rouskin, hath been found in hollowed trunks of trees..; that the length of time it had been buried was very great, we learn from the depth of the bog..that had grown over it. |
▪ III. † ˈruskin3 Obs.—1
? A rusk.
| c 1803 C. K. Sharpe New Oxford Guide ii. in Mem. (1888) I. 15 Cakes, ruskins, prunelloes, and sweet damson cheese. |