1. Ancient Greek Theatre:
* A type of high-soled boot worn by actors in ancient Greek tragedy. These boots were designed to make the actors appear taller and more imposing, and they were often decorated with elaborate details. The cothornus was a symbol of tragedy and was distinct from the low-heeled "sock" worn by actors in comedy.
2. Literary:
* A term used to refer to tragedy itself, or to works of high seriousness and elevated style. This usage stems from the association of the cothornus with tragedy in ancient Greece.
Therefore, when you encounter "cothornus", consider the context to understand its meaning. If you are reading about ancient Greek theatre, it likely refers to the boots. If you are reading a literary text, it could be a reference to the genre of tragedy or to a serious, elevated style of writing.