"Buffkin" is a rare and obscure word that refers to a small cape or collar worn by women. The pronunciation of "buffkin" is /ˈbʌfkɪn/, with the stress on the first syllable. The spelling is determined by the fact that "buff" comes from the Middle English "buf" meaning "buffalo" and "kin" is a diminutive suffix - a contrasting diminutive of "buffalo", so essentially it means "little buffalo". The IPA transcription helps to break down the sounds that make up this unusual spelling.