high, adj. & n.² meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary
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Revised 2014 More entries for "high"

highadjective & noun2

Quotations

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Earlier version

In other dictionaries

  1. adjective
    In most senses the opposite of low adj.
    For coverage of the comparative and superlative forms, see higher adj. and highest adj. Where important for the history of a particular use, quotations for the comparative higher are included at this entry.
    1. I.
      Senses relating to distance above or below a base level.
        1. I.1.a.
          Old English–
          Measuring a great distance from top to bottom; extending far upward; lofty, tall. Also: rising considerably from a surface (cf. high relief n.).
          1. eOE
            [Mercian dialect] Montes excelsi : muntes heae.
            Vespasian Psalter (1965) ciii. 17
          2. eOE
            Gif þæs dolges ofras synd to hea ymb stric mid hate isene swiðe leohtlice þæt þæt fel hwitige.
            Bald's Leechbook (Royal MS.) (1865) i. xxxviii. 96
          3. OE
            Entas woldon aræran ane burh & ænne stypel swa heahne [a1225 Lambeth MS. hehne] þæt his hrof astige oð heofon.
            Ælfric, Catholic Homilies: 1st Series (Royal MS.) (1997) xxii. 358
          4. OE
            He hine lædde upon swiþe hea dune.
            Blickling Homilies 27
          5. c1325 (c1300)
            Þe heye hul to hom was a castel.
            Chronicle of Robert of Gloucester (Caligula MS.) 3626
          6. c1384
            A ful heeȝ hill.
            Bible (Wycliffite, early version) (Douce MS. 369(2)) (1850) Matthew iv. 8
          7. c1405 (c1395)
            Ther saw he hertes with hir hornes hye [variant readings highe, hihe, hyȝe, hee].
            G. Chaucer, Franklin's Tale (Hengwrt MS.) (2003) l. 483
          8. c1450 (?a1400)
            He clynterand torres.
            Wars of Alexander (Ashmole MS.) l. 4863
          9. 1488 (c1478)
            In heich haddyr Wallace and thai can twyn.
            Hary, Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Advocates' Library MS.) (1968–9) v. l. 300
          10. a1500 (?a1400)
            To þe hight of þe hye dyke.
            Wars of Alexander (Trinity Dublin MS.) l. 700
          11. 1590
            The trees so straight and hy.
            E. Spenser, Faerie Queene i.i. sig. A4
          12. 1608
            Besides, is arme or shoulder swelled into a high bunch or tumour, which did put him vnto painfull torments.
            E. Topsell, Historie of Serpents 52
          13. 1642
            Fair clustred buildings..with high spires to heaven yborn.
            H. More, Ψυχωδια Platonica sig. I4v
          14. 1698
            Clad in Black Gowns..with high round Caps flat at top.
            J. Fryer, New Account of East-India & Persia 150
          15. 1769
            This [frog] differs from the former in having a high protuberance in the middle of the back, forming a very sharp angle.
            T. Pennant, British Zoology (new edition) vol. III. iii. 7
          16. 1776
            The upper lake..is quite encompassed with high mountains.
            R. Twiss, Tour in Ireland 125
          17. 1821
            The walls are high, the gates are strong.
            P. B. Shelley, Epipsychidion 23
          18. 1867
            There are high banks or rocks at the angler's back, so that he cannot send his line behind him.
            F. Francis, Book on Angling ix. 285
          19. 1871
            It may be a gilt frame, with high mouldings upon the outer edge, or it may be of more humble pretension.
            Annual Rep. Indiana State Horticultural Society App. 136
          20. 1917
            Great red macaw parrots flew from top to top of the high trees.
            Geographical Journal vol. 50 172
          21. 1962
            The reputed home of these God Ones was the high mountains of the northeast.
            A. Norton, Lord of Thunder i. 15
          22. 2010
            We had to walk to school and on occasions had to burrow our way through high banks of drifted snow.
            Independent 21 December (Viewspaper section) 6/3
        2. I.1.b.
          Old English–
          Of a person: great in height, tall. Also of a person's height or stature: large, tall.
          In later use chiefly regional and in comparisons (see sense A.I.3b).
          1. eOE
            Wæs he Oswine se cyning ge on onsyne fæger ge on bodie heah [Latin statura sublimis].
            translation of Bede, Ecclesiastical History (Tanner MS.) iii. xii. 194
          2. OE
            Me coman to silhearwan atelices hiwes swa heage swa entes.
            Ælfric, Lives of Saints (Julius MS.) (1881) vol. I. 106
          3. c1275 (?a1200)
            Þus þe hæȝe scaðe ferde to helle.
            Laȝamon, Brut (Caligula MS.) (1963) l. 963
          4. c1300
            He was strong man and hey.
            Havelok (Laud MS.) (1868) 1071
          5. ?1473
            Achilles was..an hyghe man of grete stature.
            W. Caxton, translation of R. Le Fèvre, Recuyell of Historyes of Troye (1894) vol. II. lf. 270
          6. 1535
            Stronge people and hye of stature.
            Bible (Coverdale) Deuteronomy ii. 10
          7. 1658
            A huge and formidable Man of a high stature.
            T. Bromhall, Hist. Apparitions 8
          8. 1738
            A private Man belonging to Lalleck's Regiment of Horse, who was a fine Person and of high Stature.
            London Evening-Post 5 January
          9. 1818
            High in person, he soon got high in office; and if his uprightness of principle went hand-in-hand with his erectness of stature, it is well.
            ‘T. Brown’, Brighton vol. I. 135
          10. 1886
            Hyacinth saw her high, lean figure sway to and fro in the dim little room.
            H. James, Princess Casamassima i. viii. 92
          11. 1994
            Of high stature like his nephew, he reminded Liza of the illustrations of knights in Le Morte d'Arthur, for he personified doomed beauty and chivalry.
            S. Robinson, Lady Dangerous i. 9
        3. I.1.c.
          1590–
          Of an item of clothing: high-necked. Now historical.
          1. 1590
            This vilde Woolfe..could not pearce the choller of the Childes coate, being high and very well stiffened & close claspt about her neck.
            translation of True Disc. Stubbe Peeter 13
          2. 1653
            By a sentence of the Court it was decreed, those high neckclothes should be no longer worne, if they were not a little cleft and open before.
            T. Urquhart, translation of F. Rabelais, 2nd Book of Works xvii. 124
          3. 1794
            They have made my gown so abominably high, I declare I appear quite round shouldered.
            S. Rowson, Fille de Chambre (new edition) xii. 56
          4. 1827
            Muslin canezous over high dresses.
            Lady's Magazine September 511/1
          5. 1857
            My grey carmelite, & black moiré, high, & next to no collars.
            E. C. Gaskell, Letter ?13–14 September (1966) 471
          6. 1875
            I had a chemisette to make my gown high, and no ornaments.
            L. Troubridge, Journal in Life amongst Troubridges (1966) x. 102
          7. 1937
            In the early [eighteen-] sixties, it is interesting to note, there was less décolletage in good families in France than in England. The high dress was worn at dinner parties even of a formal kind.
            J. Laver, Taste & Fashion xiii. 185
          8. 1957
            Boat-shaped neckline..high in front and back, wide at sides.
            M. B. Picken, Fashion Dictionary 230/2
          9. 1987
            Requests from ladies to be allowed..to appear at the Castle in ‘high dress’ or ‘halt high dress’ instead of the prescribed décolletage.
            M. Bence-Jones, Twilight of Ascendancy iii. 52
          10. 2006
            She greeted Anne warmly and told her to change into a ‘high dress’, because she was to dine with Her Majesty.
            C. Clay, King, Kaiser, Tsar xii. 213
          costumehistorical
        4. I.1.d.
          1683–
          Printing. Having a specified or standard height to paper (distance from foot to face); (also, esp. in high to paper) having a greater such distance than that which is required. Cf. low to paper at low adj. A.I.2d.
          1. 1683
            They [sc. head-sticks] are Quadrat high, straight, and of an equal thickness all the length.
            J. Moxon, Mechanick Exercises vol. II. 28
          2. 1688
            Bearer, is a Riglet made Letter high and fastned to the Frisket.
            R. Holme, Academy of Armory iii. iii. 116/2
          3. 1770
            Good Press-work will expose the defects, and shew where letters are cast either too high, or too low, to paper.
            P. Luckombe, Concise History Printing 243
          4. 1834
            The letters or types..are composed, or, as the printers term it, set up into a page in the ordinary manner, care being taken to use the high spaces and quadrats commonly employed in stereotyping.
            J. Holland, Treatise Manufactures in Metal (Cabinet Cycl.) vol. III. vii. 126
          5. 1888
            Spaces and quadrats were formerly only three-fourths of an inch in height; but, since electrotyping has become so common, they are almost invariably cut high, i.e., up to the shoulder of the type.
            Encyclopædia Britannica vol. XXIII. 698/2
          6. 1916
            Iron bearers, type high, are placed all around the type matter before the form is locked up.
            Vocational Educ. Surv. Richmond, Va. (U.S. Bureau Labor Statistics) 111
          7. 2007
            The very precise blocks..are produced at the universal ‘type high’ measure—.918 inch—which allows the blocks to be locked up and printed with the type.
            B. Moser, Ashen Sky 39
          printing and typography
        1. I.2.a.
          Old English–
          Situated far above the ground or some other base; far up; having a lofty position.
          1. OE
            Se ðe gebigde þone heagan heofenlican bigels.
            Ælfric, Catholic Homilies: 1st Series (Royal MS.) (1997) xi. 268
          2. OE
            Þæt mynstre [read mynster] wæs geseted in heanum cnolle þæs muntes.
            Wærferð, translation of Gregory, Dialogues (Corpus Christi Cambridge MS.) (1900) i. vii. 49
          3. ?c1225 (?a1200)
            Þe heouene is swiðe hech.
            Ancrene Riwle (Cleopatra MS. C.vi) (1972) 129
          4. 1508
            Al yai that ar wrocht vndir ye hie hevin.
            Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. avv
          5. 1535
            At this voyce wente Sara in to an hye chamber of hir house.
            Bible (Coverdale) Tobit iii. 10
          6. 1678
            A Shrine, or Indian Structure erected according to the Dorick order of Architecture, adorned with lively pieces of Imagerie round about, and, on the high extremity, is exalted a Masculine lively person.
            T. Jordan, Triumphs of London 8
          7. 1700
            Their Sconces lying so high, that they had a great command of us.
            S. L., translation of C. Frick, Relation Voy. in translation of C. Frick & C. Schweitzer Relation of Two Voyages East-Indies 75
          8. 1776
            The sharp end is very often high in the air.
            R. Chandler, Travels in Greece i. 2
          9. 1816
            Thence up said River 3 Miles to John Rush's where we put up & was kindly treated, he being the highest setler up that River.
            U. Brown, Journal in Maryland Hist. Magazine vol. 11 358
          10. 1821
            The clouds had gather'd above them High in the middle air, huge, purple, pillowy masses.
            R. Southey, Vision of Judgement i. 2
          11. 1836
            Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky.
            A. Taylor & J. Taylor, Star in Rhymes for Nursery i
          12. 1859
            [He] Climb'd to the high top of the garden-wall.
            Lord Tennyson, Guinevere in Idylls of King 226
          13. 1874
            Chances for fly-catches from short, high balls.
            H. Chadwick, Base Ball Manual 30
          14. 1915
            High plains where there is no moistness or mistiness in the atmosphere.
            W. Cather, Song of Lark i. xvi. 122
          15. 1982
            There was a constant, deafening thunder broken by the occasional droning of the planes high overhead.
            C. Willis in S. Williams, Hugo & Nebula Award Winners from Asimov's Science Fiction (1995) 43
          16. 2004
            On the high slopes of the Craigieburn Range..there are hundreds of large penwiper plants.
            Conservation Action (New Zealand Department of Conservation) July 9/2
        2. I.2.b.
          late Old English–
          Of a celestial object: not low in the sky; far from the horizon.
          In quot. lOE in figurative context; cf. sense A.II.8b.
          1. lOE
            Eall þis þu myht geþencan be gode..: he is seo hea sunne.
            King Ælfred, translation of St. Augustine, Soliloquies (Vitellius MS.) (1922) i. 32
          2. a1398
            Somer is hoot and drye... And þanne þe sonne is most hiȝe aboue vs.
            J. Trevisa, translation of Bartholomaeus Anglicus, De Proprietatibus Rerum (British Library Add. MS. 27944) (1975) vol. I. ix. vi. 525
          3. c1400 (1391)
            As heiȝ is the pool artik fro the orizonte as the equinoxial is fer fro the cenith.
            G. Chaucer, Treatise Astrolabe (Brussels MS.) (1940) ii. §22. f. 89v
          4. c1540 (?a1400)
            The high sun Was comyn into colde with a course low.
            Gest Historiale Destruction of Troy (2002) f. 188
          5. 1601
            And when the moone is high and septentrionall, the tide is not so vehement as when she is meridionall, bicause that being then more neere to the earth, she doth the more exercise hir power.
            R. Dolman, translation of P. de la Primaudaye, French Academie vol. III. 267
          6. 1637
            Oh for the long day & the high sun & the fair garden & the King's great citie up above these visible heavens!
            S. Rutherford, Letter 8 September in Joshua Redivivus (1664) 364
          7. 1719
            The Moon was not too high to be well observed with a Forestaff.
            in Philosophical Transactions 1717–19 (Royal Society) vol. 30 993
          8. 1789
            The moon..That's blinkin in the lift sae hie.
            R. Burns in J. Johnson, Scots Musical Museum iii. 301
          9. 1804
            Whose volcanic fires A thousand nations view, hung like the moon High in the middle waste of heaven.
            W. L. Bowles, Spirit of Discovery 308
          10. 1917
            A high sun over Asia shouting: ‘Rise and shine!’
            R. Kipling, Diversity of Creatures 237
          11. 1981
            Grus (the Crane) is very close to the zenith, while Sagittarius (the Archer), Pavo (the Peacock) and Hydrius (the Sea Serpent) are high in the sky.
            C. A. Ronan, Pract. Astronomy 61
          12. 2000
            It was six-fifteen on the Russian spring evening, the sun high in the sky still, in anticipation of the ‘White Nights’ for which the Russian summer is justly famous.
            T. Clancy, Bear & Dragon vi. 90
          astronomy
        3. I.2.c.
          ?a1425–
          Chiefly with capital initial. Prefixed to the names of countries or districts, designating the upper (or inland) part, as High Asia, High Germany, High Furness, etc.
          Some related uses are treated as main entries: see High Dutch n. & adj., High German n. & adj.
          1. ?a1425
            Egipte þe hie and þe lawe.
            Mandeville's Travels (Egerton MS.) (1889) 3
          2. 1530
            Euene as they dyd in hygh Germany To the Emperour lewes of Bauerye.
            Proper Dyaloge Gentillman & Husbandman (new edition) sig. Cvjv
          3. 1578
            Antiochus had the rule of many nations in high Asia, and of all that inhabite the sea coast, sauing a fewe.
            W. B., translation of Appian of Alexandria, Aunc. Hist. Romanes Warres ii. 137
          4. 1622
            One generall Sewer, which seemeth to diuide, Low Holland from the High.
            M. Drayton, 2nd Part Poly-olbion xxv. 105
          5. a1735
            All the Birds, Fishes, &c. which they saw, as they passed through High and Low Germany.
            W. Derham, Life Mr. Ray in J. Ray, Select Remains (1760) 58
          6. 1774
            The woodlanders of High Furness were charged with the care of the flocks and herds.
            T. West, Antiquities of Furness p. xlv
          7. 1815
            The Suffolk-punches, which are common in the district called High Suffolk.
            J. Smith, Panorama of Science & Art vol. II. 644
          8. 1869
            A Comparative Dictionary of the Non-Aryan Languages of India and High Asia.
            W. W. Hunter (title)
          9. 1925
            A quest for an almost extinct variety of wild sheep found only in the High Atlas.
            E. A. Powell, Beyond Utmost Purple Rim iii. 66
          10. 2008
            Life for the nomads of High Asia has never been anything other than tough, but this winter has beset them with unprecedented problems.
            Independent 8 February 43/2
        4. I.2.d.
          1588–
          Medicine. Situated in the upper part of the body, section of the body, limb, or organ; spec. = proximal adj. A.2a. Also: occurring in, involving, or relating to such a position; designating such a position.
          1. 1588
            The xiii. is the situation of the member in a high or lowe part of the body, for vlcers in the superior members are easy to be cured, but in the inferior hard.
            W. Clowes, Prooued Pract. Young Chirurgians v. 100
          2. 1687
            I Answer, That all those parts which are above the Navel, including also the Liver and Stomach, are accounted high: but the parts below the Liver are accounted Low, as the Kidneys, and Genitals in Man and Woman.
            Chirurgorum Comes i. ii. 16/2
          3. 1698
            It [sc. the fibula] lies in the outside of the Leg, and its upper end which is not so high as the Knee, receives the lateral knob of the upper end of the Tibia.
            J. Keill, Anatomy of Humane Body 235
          4. 1740
            No other method but that of the high Operation can facilitate the Extraction [from the bladder] of an extraneous Body, whose Branches cannot fail causing considerable Lacerations.
            Philosophical Transactions 1737–8 (Royal Society) vol. 40 371
          5. 1760
            If the foetus is still high in the uterus, and the situation of it does not indicate a readiness for extrusion.
            E. Nihell, Treat. Art Midwifery 266
          6. 1784
            So high in the thigh that a tourniquet could not be applied.
            B. Bell, Treat. Theory & Management Ulcers (ed. 3) §viii. 334
          7. 1834
            This high position of the testicles in the cavity of the abdomen..corresponds with the position of the ovaries in the opposite sex.
            Lancet 20 September 1020/1
          8. 1912
            Stone low in the ureter in men, and stone in women just too high for vaginal removal, may best be reached through a low McBurney or rectus muscle incision.
            G. L. Hunner in J. H. Musser & A. O. J. Kelly, Handbook Pract. Treatment 716
          9. 1953
            The nurse in charge of the ward kept telling the enlisted man that it must be a high enema, and he was so annoyed at having to give it anyhow, and especially to a German prisoner, that he finally said, ‘Well, is this high enough?’.
            Michigan Alumnus Quarterly Review Winter 109
          10. 2005
            The epididymal function seems to be taken over by the more proximal segments allowing pregnancies even in the case of high anastomosis.
            S. C. Basu, Male Reprod. Dysfunction xii. 251/2
          medicine
      3. I.3.
        Having a degree of height specified or indicated by comparison.
        1. I.3.a.
          With a premodifying noun phrase consisting of a noun denoting or implying a measure of upward distance premodified by a numeral or quantifier (e.g. ten foot high). Also forming part of such a phrase used attributively (e.g. an 80-foot high tower, a ten foot high ceiling) or introduced by of (e.g. a building of nine storeys high).
          Frequently with a premodifying noun denoting a physical object used as a measure of height. chin-high, face-high, knee-high, man-high, roof-high, etc.: see the first element.
          1. I.3.a.i.
            Old English–
            Having a specified upward dimension or extent; (so much) in height. Cf. sense A.I.1.
            In Old English with the measure (and sometimes also the numeral) in the genitive.
            1. OE
              Wyrc þe nu ænne arc þreo hund fæðma lang & fifti fæðma wid & þritig fæðma heah.
              Ælfric, Catholic Homilies: 1st Series (Royal MS.) (1997) i. 185
            2. OE
              Þu þær [read þæt] fær gewyrc fiftiges wid, ðrittiges heah [and] þreohund lang elngemeta.
              Genesis A (1931) 1308
            3. OE
              Þa stod þær gyldenu onlicnes, twelf elna heah.
              Old English Martyrology (Julius MS.) 2 June (2013) 110
            4. a1325 (c1250)
              Ðat arche was...l.ti elne wid and .xxx.ti heg.
              Genesis & Exodus (1968) l. 565
            5. a1400 (a1325)
              An ellen hyȝe þei wore.
              Cursor Mundi (Trinity Cambridge MS.) l. 1419
            6. a1450 (1408)
              Euery kniȝt schulde haue..a stake ypiȝt in þe erþe of vi fote hiȝe aboue þe erþe.
              translation of Vegetius, De Re Militari (Douce MS.) f. 14
            7. 1548
              Ouer their coardes was streyned wollen clothes of light blew: this roofe was .lxxx. fote high.
              Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. lxviv
            8. 1596
              Sevin, or viii. cubites hich.
              J. Dalrymple, translation of J. Leslie, Historie of Scotland (1888) vol. I. 35
            9. c1600
              A rych herse..of nyne stories heigh.
              Wriothesley's Chronicle of England (1875) vol. I. 181
            10. 1633
              The snow was..halfe legge high.
              T. James, Strange Voyage 43
            11. 1683
              A piece of small Wyer about a quarter and half quarter of an Inch high.
              J. Moxon, Mechanick Exercises vol. II. 70
            12. 1726
              The common Size of the Natives is somewhat under six Inches high.
              J. Swift, Gulliver vol. I. i. vi. 92
            13. 1795
              A slight buffon tucker of two inches high.
              Times 24 June 3/1
            14. 1825
              Bulls and Oxen to run at large—Fences 5 feet high.
              Kingston (Upper Canada) Chron. 7 January 3/3
            15. 1858
              The Cabbage Palm..is..a lofty tree 170 to 200 feet high.
              R. Hogg, Vegetable Kingdom 747
            16. 1901
              A small milk-white egg..less than one-twentieth of an inch high.
              M. C. Dickerson, Moths & Butterflies i. 12
            17. 1943
              Each has its aeroplane landing ground, telephone, telegraph, and 80-foot high wireless towers.
              Triumphs of Engin. 182/1
            18. 1993
              An encyclopedia-high smoked meat sandwich.
              Canadian Living July 4/2
            19. 2006
              This white-coloured sulphate evaporite cliff (about 10 metres high).
              Nature 2 November 44/2 (caption)
          2. I.3.a.ii.
            1582–
            Situated at a specified distance above the ground or some other base or level; (so far) up. Cf. sense A.I.2.
            1. 1582
              Hee turned towardes the Coopers streete, in the street called Cheeslane to the great Market place, which was full of Torches of waxe, and of Barrelles of pitche vpon long poles vp to the highest windowes, which commonly are fiue stories high.
              A. Golding, translation of Ioyful & Royal Entertainment sig. E4v
            2. 1662
              A very handsome [Chamber], and one pair of stairs high.
              J. Strype in H. Ellis, Original Letters of Eminent Literary Men (1843) (Camden) 178
            3. 1722
              She lay in the Garret four Story high.
              D. Defoe, Journal of Plague Year 62
            4. 1839
              The limit of atmospheric air, supposed to be forty-five miles high.
              R. S. Robinson, Nautical Steam Engine Explained 5
            5. 1856
              Our first act was to ascend to the top landing of its aerial lantern, between five and six hundred steps high.
              M. F. Tupper, Paterfamilias's Diary of Everybody's Tour 162
            6. 1920
              She established herself in the ‘east side’ section of the town, in a small back room, four flights high, to which she carried her own coal.
              B. Harrow, Eminent Chemists 158
            7. 1982
              He threw a fastball pecker-high that abruptly sailed in toward Haskell's groin.
              R. Kahn, Seventh Game ii. 33
            8. 1990
              A yurt is basically a round tent with walls, about 16 feet in diameter, with a 10-foot high ceiling topped by a pointed roof.
              Countryside Winter 162/1
            9. 2013
              The ceilings were eleven feet high.
              New Yorker 27 May 56/1
        2. I.3.b.
          1579–
          Expressing relative upward extension: having (more, less, or a specified) extent from top to bottom; esp. (of a person) having (a specified) stature.
          1. 1579
            If thou be but a hoppe on my Thumbe, as high as three horsloues, or stand on a Moulehill to looke into a mustarde pot.
            S. Gosson, Ephemerides of Phialo ii. f. 40v
          2. 1598
            Another strange beast called Coaty , as high as a Hare.
            W. Phillip, translation of J. H. van Linschoten, Discours of Voyages East & West Indies ii. 248/2
          3. a1652
            For I did beat a boy as high as my selfe Yesterday, with one hand.
            R. Brome, New Acad. ii. ii. 33 in Five New Playes (1659)
          4. 1707
            If the fore Wheels were as high as the hinder Wheels.
            J. Mortimer, Whole Art of Husbandry (1721) vol. I. 360
          5. 1725
            The Grass..being as high as our Mid-Thigh.
            D. Defoe, New Voyage round World i. 173
          6. 1771
            The man can see, by the height of the water in the pump cistern, how high it is in all the rest.
            A. Young, Farmer's Tour E. England vol. I. viii. 405
          7. 1837
            Ever since I was a boy about half as high as the brass-headed stick o' my wery respectable friend, Blazes, there.
            C. Dickens, Pickwick Papers xxxvi. 400
          8. 1871
            I dinna believe but ye're near as heich's Peter there.
            W. Alexander, Johnny Gibb (ed. 2) vii. 45
          9. 1886
            I've known him from the time he was as high's the table.
            D. C. Murray, Rainbow Gold vol. II. (new edition) ii. 34
          10. 1974
            The shōji..are approximately as high as the tatami are long.
            Encyclopædia Britannica Micropædia vol. IX. 837/3
          11. 2012
            A large bald, muscular man as high as Zili's horse.
            S. J. Troupe & D. R. Troupe, How Nicholas became Santa Clause ii. 39
      4. I.4.
        Designating a body of water, tide, etc.
        1. I.4.a.
          Old English–1425
          † Of the sea, water, etc.: deep. Cf. high sea n. Obsolete.
          1. OE
            Sume wig fornom, ferede in forðwege, sumne fugel oþbær ofer heanne holm.
            Wanderer 82
          2. OE
            He þa ymb seofon niht sweartum hrefne of earce forlet æfter fleogan ofer heah wæter haswe culufran on fandunga hwæðer famig sæ deop þa gyta dæl ænigne grenre eorðan ofgifen hæfde.
            Genesis A (1931) 1451
          3. OE
            Crist..þone halgan Petrum be ðære handa gelædde upp on þam heagan brymme, þæt þæt ða sælican yða hine forswelgan ne mihton.
            Ælfric, Lives of Saints (Julius MS.) (1881) vol. I. 48
          4. c1400 (c1378)
            Riȝt so is loue a ledere..And in þe herte þere is þe heuede and þe heiȝ welle.
            W. Langland, Piers Plowman (Laud MS. 581) (1869) B. i. l. 162 (Middle English Dictionary)
          5. a1425 (a1400)
            Wolt þou me swere..Wiþ me to wende to Jerusalem Ouer þe see, þe hiȝe streem?
            Titus & Vespasian l. 1764 in Archiv für das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1904) vol. 112 32 (Middle English Dictionary)
        2. I.4.b.
          a1387–
          Of the tide: at its maximum height. See also high tide n. II.2, high water n. A.1.
          1. a1387
            Þe hiȝe flood of occean ariseþ [?a1475 anon. tr. swellethe] vp þe costes of Bretaine foure score cubitis hiȝe.
            J. Trevisa, translation of R. Higden, Polychronicon (St. John's Cambridge MS.) (1865) vol. I. 59
          2. a1393
            Of flodes hihe and ebbes lowe Upon his [sc. the moon's] change it schal be knowe.
            J. Gower, Confessio Amantis (Fairfax MS.) vii. l. 723 (Middle English Dictionary)
          3. a1398
            Þe first day of waxinge of þe mone he is more copiouse þan oþer tymes, for þan þe see is moste ful and hiȝe.
            J. Trevisa, translation of Bartholomaeus Anglicus, De Proprietatibus Rerum (British Library Add. MS. 27944) (1975) vol. I. xiii. xxi. 667
          4. 1580
            After the which winde followed so high a tide, that it drowned the marshes on Essex side and Kent.
            J. Stow, Chrons. of Eng. 970
          5. 1604
            The 4. of March (the tide being high) there entred 21. saile into the gollet, the enemie shott two through.
            E. Grimeston, translation of True Historie of Siege of Ostend 138
          6. 1696
            At high Flood doth the Water come in there at this time?
            Famous Tryal between Thomas Neale & Lady Ivy 26
          7. 1770
            Nature itself points out..the margin of the water at all times, whether at high or low sea.
            Trial M. Campbell for Murder A. Earl 27
          8. 1837
            When the water is high, it is called high tide; when it is low, it is called low tide.
            ‘P. Parley’, Tales about Sea ii. 15
          9. 1939
            The last attempt to get the barge off the sands was made Monday evening when the tide was high at 6:30 o'clock.
            Oxnard (California) Daily Courier 18 April 1/8
          10. 2002
            When the tide is high, flowing water can generate large hydrodynamic forces on attached organisms.
            Integrative & Comparative Biology vol. 42 846/1
        3. I.4.c.
          1569–
          Of the sea: characterized by large swells; rough; stormy.
          1. 1569
            It shall blow merueilous fowle wether, and be hygh and rough seas.
            N. Haward, translation of Seneca, Line of Liberalitie ii. xxxv. f. 90
          2. ?1614
            Neptune raisd A huge, a high, and horrid sea, that seisd Him and his ship.
            G. Chapman, translation of Homer, Odysses v. 81
          3. 1693
            'Tis all Prise Brandy and as true as ever came from Nantz. Guard the Bowle Boy, least a high Sea should overset it.
            H. Higden, Wary Widdow iv. 37
          4. 1793
            In this Gulf..the sea is very high with the winds from the offing, and you should not be safe there when they are blowing from the west.
            translation of G. B. Du Bocage, Petit Neptune Français vii. 129
          5. 1869
            Heavy northerly gales sprung up, which continued without intermission, and the sea being high caused the vessel to labour heavily.
            Edinburgh Evening Courant 26 August
          6. 1903
            Sometimes the weather was so wild and the seas so high that for days the boats could not venture out.
            Irish Monthly February 100
          7. 2002
            He had never experienced such high seas. This was more than a hurricane, he thought.
            R. Mykle, Killer 'Cane (2006) viii. 120
        4. I.4.d.
          1574–
          Of a river, lake, etc.: raised above the usual water level; swollen or in flood as a result of heavy rains or melting snow. See also high water n. A.1.
          1. 1574
            The Riuers would be so highe with showers of raine, that men could not passe ouer the sayd Riuers.
            T. Tymme, translation of J. de Serres, Three Partes Comm. Ciuill Warres Fraunce viii. sig. Uuu.iii
          2. 1604
            Raine, which fell..in such sort, that the water was so high, that the riuers and lakes of Italie ouerflowed and drowned an infinit number of people and cattell.
            W. Traheron, translation of P. Mexia, Hist. Rom. Emperors 455
          3. 1661
            The quantity of the Water which runneth, whilst the River is high, to that which ran, whilst it was low, hath the proportion [etc.].
            T. Salusbury, translation of B. Castellus, Mensuration Running Waters ii. 55 in Mathematical Collections & Translations vol. I
          4. 1790
            These cisterns are now full of filth; though in disrepair, the water, when the Nile is high insinuates itself into them.
            J. Bruce, Travels Source of Nile vol. III. vi. xviii. 716
          5. 1883
            The lake is very high to-day: the snow water is still running in.
            Forest & Stream 17 May 310/1
          6. 1915
            Shirrar, the oldest boy, noticed that the creek was high and unusually swift.
            Delphi (Indiana) Journal 22 July 1/1
          7. 2000
            The state's rivers have become popular places for downstream travel in rented canoes, usually in the spring when the water is high.
            Dædalus Summer 90
        1. I.5.a.
          ?c1450–
          Of a person's forehead: large in distance from the eyes or eyebrows to the hairline or top of the head. Cf. high-browed adj. A.1.
          1. ?c1450
            Whanne the pie sawe a balled or a pilled man, or a woman with an high forhede.
            translation of Book of Knight of La Tour Landry (1906) 22 (Middle English Dictionary)
          2. 1597
            I coniure thee by Rosalindes bright eye, high forehead, and scarlet lip.
            W. Shakespeare, Romeo & Juliet ii. i. 18
          3. 1686
            The Sanguine he [sc. Jupiter] governs most, causing the party to have a fine white skin.., eyes a dark brown, a high forehead, and four lines appearing therein.
            True Fortune-teller (ed. 2) xxvi. 125
          4. 1748
            Her fore-head was high and wrinkled, her eyes large, grey and prominent.
            T. Smollett, Roderick Random vol. II. xxxix. 18
          5. 1828
            It needed not much observation to discover that she was beautiful; and her high brow seemed to speak of lofty thoughts.
            Token 186
          6. 1851
            His forehead, high and broad, is deeply wrinkled.
            Manchester Examiner & Times 25 October 6/2
          7. 1922
            His brow is high, and above it curls grey hair.
            C. A. Player, Arms & Men 67
          8. 1991
            The few long crinkled hairs combed over Wally's ever-growing bald patch (‘Walter has a high forehead,’ his wife was fond of explaining) flopped back to their natural side.
            A. R. Morlan, Amulet iv. 111
          9. 2008
            With her heart-shaped face, large eyes and high forehead, she is the perfect choice to play a cartoon character brought to life.
            Sun Herald (Sydney) (Nexis) 1 June 8
        2. I.5.b.
          1693–
          Of a person's cheekbones: prominent, pronounced.
          1. 1693
            The shape of their Faces..is broad and high at the Cheek-bones.
            A. P., translation of S. de la Loubère, New Hist. Relation Kingdom Siam ii. i. 27
          2. 1750
            They have a great head with black lank hair, a large flat face.., their cheek bones extremely high.
            London Magazine July 316/1
          3. 1835
            His features were..not unlike those of Napoleon, but sharpened up, with high Indian cheek-bones.
            W. Irving, Tour on Prairies iii. 22
          4. 1895
            The high cheek-bones scarcely mar the just balancing of the features of the face of this pueblan beauty.
            Cosmopolitan March 594/2
          5. 1948
            Her face was oval-shaped, her cheekbones high and her features delicate.
            Life 2 February 35/2
          6. 1988
            He was a sturdily built man with a beaky face and high cheek bones.
            B. W. Aldiss, Forgotten Life iv. 99
          7. 2007
            With her high cheekbones and pouty lips she looked like a calendar girl or carnival queen.
            E. Danticat, Brother, I'm Dying i. ii. 28
      6. I.6.
        1566–
        Of physical actions: extending to or from a height; performed at a height. Cf. high hurdle n., high jump n. 2.
        With nouns of action and directly related to high adv. I.1, e.g. a high leap is closely related to to leap high.
        1. 1566
          Surbating..is a beating of the houe agaynst the grounde,..it commeth sometyme by meanes of euil shooing lying to flat to his foote, or by going long barefote, and sometyme by the hardenesse of the ground, and highe lifting of the horse.
          T. Blundeville, Order curing Horses Dis. cxlv. f. 100v, in Fower Offices Horsemanshippe
        2. a1616
          Which should sustaine the bound and high curuet Of Marses fierie steed.
          W. Shakespeare, All's Well that ends Well (1623) ii. iii. 279
        3. 1625
          It is not the large Stride, or High Lift, that makes the Speed.
          F. Bacon, Essayes (new edition) 142
        4. 1709
          You might well expect the Fate of Icarus, for your high-soaring.
          Lord Shaftesbury, Moralists iii. i. 192
        5. 1762
          All are pleased with a brilliant execution, in the quick motion of the legs, and the high springs of the body.
          G.-A. Gallini, Treatise on Art of Dancing 78
        6. 1868
          Judging the bound of the ball when it lands after a high throw.
          Morning Star 19 June
        7. 1891
          High action will cause splints, speedy-cuts, and other unsoundnesses.
          H. S. Constable, Horses, Sport & War 20
        8. 1955
          High jumping: Western roll; straddle; Eastern cut-off.
          Athletics (Know the Game Series) 15
        9. 1968
          For a high cross a well-trained full-back..is good enough.
          Listener 23 May 682/1
        10. 2006
          The puller yanked open the gate and the squat palomino made a high dive into the arena.
          ‘L. Burana’, Try ii. 11
      7. I.7.
        1867–
        Phonetics. Of a vowel: produced with (the highest part of the body of) the tongue in a position raised close to the roof of the mouth; showing auditory characteristics typical of sounds traditionally described as being so articulated.
        The term close is preferred in the terminology favoured by the International Phonetic Association.
        For an explanation of this system of vowel classification, see mid adj. A.2b.i.
        Frequently in combination with other adjectives indicating position, as high-mixed, high-narrow; for more established uses of this type, see Compounds C.3c.
        1. 1867
          The vowels..are represented in script by a single symbol for each class of vowels; the varieties ‘high’, ‘mid’, and ‘low’ in each class, being shown by the mere ascent and descent of the lines.
          A. M. Bell, Visible Speech: Science of Universal Alphabetics 101
        2. 1874
          As a general rule the high vowels i and u have retained their positions, but in Dutch the short i is now represented by the mid-front-wide.
          H. Sweet, History of English Sounds 43
        3. 1909
          The great vowel-shift consists in a general raising of all long vowels with the exception of the two high vowels.
          O. Jespersen, Modern English Grammar i. viii. 231
        4. 1964
          The ‘high-narrow’ vowels are particularly short.
          R. Jakobson & M. Halle in D. Abercrombie, Daniel Jones 98
        5. 2009
          A voiceless velar fricative similar to standard German ch when not adjacent to a high vowel.
          Oceanic Linguistics vol. 48 315
        phonetics
    2. II.
      Ranking above other people or things in class, status, or quality, and related senses.
        1. II.8.a.
          Old English–
          Of a person or his or her attributes: of exalted rank, status, dignity, or estimation. Also of a person's reputation or position in society: exalted, favoured, highly esteemed. Cf. high life n. A.2, high society n.
          For use in titles, see Compounds C.1c.
          1. eOE
            [Mercian dialect] Dominus in sion magnus et excelsus super omnes populos : dryhten in sion micel & heh ofer alle folc.
            Vespasian Psalter (1965) xcviii. 2
          2. OE
            Him eft onwoc heah Healfdene.
            Beowulf (2008) 57
          3. c1175
            Þatt heȝhe maȝȝstre nicodem.
            Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 17393
          4. a1225 (?OE)
            He wes hali and mihti and heh ouer heouene and ouer eorða.
            MS Lambeth in R. Morris, Old English Homilies (1868) 1st Series 19
          5. c1275 (?a1200)
            And þus þer cleopede Howel hæhes cunnes.
            Laȝamon, Brut (Caligula MS.) (1978) l. 10964
          6. 1340
            Prede ys..þe wel special ald [read aid] to þe dyeule huer-of he be-gyleþ þe heȝe men.
            Ayenbite (1866) 16
          7. a1400 (a1325)
            Ouer þo iewes..As her prince an hy man.
            Cursor Mundi (Trinity Cambridge MS.) l. 17300
          8. ?c1430 (a1400)
            Grete richessis and heiȝe statis.
            J. Wyclif, Select English Works (1871) vol. III. 199
          9. 1490
            Princes & lordes of hie estate.
            W. Caxton in translation of Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) Prologue 3
          10. 1547
            They that..doe lyue in sinne.., not vttering the frutes that do belong to suche an high profession.
            Certain Serm. or Homilies sig. B.iiijv
          11. 1568
            Befoir that hich grand Roy.
            in J. Small, Poems of William Dunbar (1893) vol. II. 328
          12. 1581
            In any either hie or low kinde of life.
            R. Mulcaster, Positions xxxvii. 152
          13. 1613
            Like one of High-bloud that hath married Base.
            T. Middleton, Triumphs of Truth sig. D2
          14. 1671
            For him I reckon not in high estate Whom long descent of birth Or the sphear of fortune raises.
            J. Milton, Samson Agonistes 172
          15. 1713
            Sir Francis Walsingham was..high in the Queen's Favour.
            R. Steele, Englishman No. 54. 344
          16. 1769
            High Potentates and Dames of royal birth.
            T. Gray, Ode at Installation Duke of Grafton 5
          17. 1895
            The high position France had attained in 1684.
            R. L. Douglas in Bookman October 22/2
          18. 1921
            The Field Sparrow is a gentle little creature whose..expressive song have won for him a high place in the estimation of all bird-lovers.
            F. S. Mathews, Field Book Wild Birds & their Music (revised edition) 103
          19. 1956
            The old upper class of traditional Americans were fearful of losing their high social status as their wealth was relatively diminished by the rise of other groups.
            Public Opinion Quarterly vol. 20 612
          20. 2009
            The head of the women's section, Mrs. Frič, was leaving with her husband, who had held a high position in the supplies office.
            J. Foster, translation of P. Manes, As if it were Life iii. 251
        2. II.8.b.
          Old English–
          With emphatic or superlative force, in high God, high heaven.
          1. OE
            Se ana god se þisne hean heofon healdeþ ond wealdeþ.
            Riddle 40 22
          2. OE
            Ic me heahne god hæbbe to kyninge.
            Paris Psalter (1932) cxliv. 1
          3. lOE
            Se heage God gesihð þa eadmedan.
            translation of Alcuin, De Virtutibus et Vitiis (Vespasian MS.) in R. D.-N. Warner, Early Eng. Homilies (1917) 98
          4. a1425 (c1395)
            The hiȝ God dwellith not in thingis maad bi hoond.
            Bible (Wycliffite, later version) (Royal MS.) (1850) Deeds vii. 48
          5. 1590
            Whence all the world deriues the glorious Features of beautie, and all shapes select, With which high God his workmanship hath deckt.
            E. Spenser, Faerie Queene iii.vi. sig. Hh2
          6. a1616
            Man, proud man, Drest in a little briefe authoritie..Plaies such phantastique tricks before high heauen, As makes the Angels weepe.
            W. Shakespeare, Measure for Measure (1623) ii. ii. 124
          7. 1707
            Whene'er High God shall whet his angry Sword, The Rising Sun shall see True Faith restor'd.
            S. Cobb, Poems 51
          8. 1833
            ‘They won't be able to face you..without a fleet.’ ‘Oh! tarnation, no..nothing under high heaven; we will knock h—ll out of them.’
            J. E. Alexander, Transatlantic Sketches vol. II. i. 4
          9. 1859
            Hereafter..We two may meet before high God.
            Lord Tennyson, Guinevere in Idylls of King 254
          10. 1915
            Then he made the abode of Ea in the deep, and the abode of Anu in high heaven.
            D. A. Mackenzie, Myths Babylonia & Assyria vii. 147
          11. a1935
            A position of abject submission to a High God.
            W. Lewis, Journey into Barbary (1983) 214
          12. 1997
            The acrid stench of sewers rising to high heaven.
            T. Petsinis, French Mathematician (1998) xx. 186
        1. II.9.a.
          Old English–
          Of exalted quality, character, or style; of a lofty, elevated, or superior kind; refined, sophisticated; honourable. Cf. high art n., high comedy n., high culture n. (b), high-minded adj. 2, high thinking at thinking n. 1c.
          1. eOE
            Sio hea lar is betere manegum monnum to helanne, & feawum to secgganne.
            King Ælfred, translation of Gregory, Pastoral Care (Hatton MS.) (1871) lxiii. 459
          2. eOE
            Wrat he eac heah boc & weorðlice de uirginitate.
            translation of Bede, Ecclesiastical History (Tanner MS.) v. xvi. 448
          3. a1225 (?OE)
            Þa ȝet he ȝef us ane heȝe ȝefe.
            MS Lambeth in R. Morris, Old English Homilies (1868) 1st Series 17
          4. a1250 (?c1200)
            Þu ofearnest meiden to beo engle euening i þe heȝe blisse of heuene.
            Hali Meiðhad (Titus MS.) (1940) 157
          5. a1425
            Þei clepen it hey riȝt-wisnenesse.
            J. Wyclif, Select English Works (1869) vol. I. 16 (Middle English Dictionary)
          6. 1485
            A man of hye merite.
            W. Caxton, translation of Lyf St. Wenefryde sig. aii
          7. ?a1535
            Of high renoun, riches and royaltie.
            To City of London (Vitellius MS.) in J. Small, Poems of William Dunbar (1893) vol. II. 276
          8. 1569
            Surely it is an highe and pure love.
            J. Rogers, Glasse of Godly Love 183
          9. 1665
            He, whose high Reason, and exalted Piety, has..plac'd him above them.
            R. Boyle, Occasional Reflections i. vi. sig. M8
          10. 1715
            Where now are all your high Resolves at last?
            A. Pope, translation of Homer, Iliad vol. I. ii. 404
          11. 1757
            His Peculiarities require infinite Labour and high Finishing.
            S. Foote, Author i. 8
          12. 1808
            High minds, of native pride and force, Most deeply feel thy pangs, Remorse!
            W. Scott, Marmion iii. xiii. 144
          13. 1817
            Hopes of high talk with the departed dead.
            P. B. Shelley, Hymn Intell. Beauty v
          14. 1870
            The account given is not in unison with our notions of high play.
            Blaine's Encyclopaedia of Rural Sports (revised edition) §460
          15. 1928
            The story of Cousin George's achievements includes a glorious part in most of the high deeds performed by Cotton Belt clerico-politicians.
            American Mercury October 207/2
          16. 1958
            Under them I was taught a high sense of duty.
            Viscount Montgomery, Mem. (1961) 40
          17. 2012
            For those of a high mind, magnanimity becomes essential in the personal battle with the ‘real evil’ in our world.
            Daily Camera (Boulder, Colorado) (Nexis) 4 May
        2. II.9.b.
          Old English–
          Of great consequence; important, grave, serious. Formerly also of punishment: †severe (obsolete). Cf. high treason at treason n. 2a.
          1. OE
            Abraham..heht þæt segn wesan [read wegan] heah gehwilcne, þe his hina wæs wæpnedcynnes.
            Genesis A (1931) 2373
          2. c1175
            Heh wikenn. alls itt semeþþ.
            Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) Ded. l. 66
          3. 1395
            Worldli bisshopis..moun condempne the king..in poyntis of highe eresie bi here lawe.
            Remonstrance against Romish Corruptions (Titus MS.) (1851) 31
          4. c1400 (?c1390)
            A heȝe ernde & a hasty me hade fro þo woneȝ.
            Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 1051
          5. c1405 (c1390)
            The kyng comaundeth..Vp peyne of hangyng and on heigh Iuyse That he ne sholde suffren..Custance..for tabyde.
            G. Chaucer, Man of Law's Tale (Hengwrt MS.) (2003) l. 697
          6. a1450 (c1400)
            Þis was an hi punschyng' & an hard.
            in D. M. Grisdale, 3 Middle English Sermons (1939) 40 (Middle English Dictionary)
          7. c1500
            Wise ynough to conduyte an [MS and] hy matier.
            Three Kings' Sons (1895) 81
          8. 1534
            The common weale is in moste hyghe ieoperdie and perylle to be loste.
            translation of Erasmus, Bellum Erasmi sig. Dviv
          9. 1646
            A high and capitall errour.
            Sir T. Browne, Pseudodoxia Epidemica i. ii. 5
          10. 1686
            Making a composition..for the high Misdemeanour they have been guilty of.
            Earl of Sunderland, Letter 13 February in T. B. Macaulay, Hist. Eng. (1871) vol. I. v. 320
          11. 1699
            The accusation is a very high one.
            R. Bentley, Dissertation upon Epistles of Phalaris (new edition) 213
          12. 1730
            Of very high consequence to the whole kingdom.
            in Swift's Letters (1768) vol. IV. 249
          13. 1789
            The President, Vice-President, and all Civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors.
            Constitution of United States ii. §4
          14. 1815
            When tidings of high weight were borne To that lone island's shore.
            W. Scott, Lord of Isles vi. iv. 225
          15. 1849
            On pain of his high displeasure.
            T. B. Macaulay, History of England vol. II. vi. 126
          16. 1863
            Accused of high crimes and misdemeanours against the state.
            H. Cox, Institutions of English Government i. vii. 81
          17. 1932
            Am obliged to take high line with Robert and compel him to listen to me whilst I tell him about the flat.
            ‘E. M. Delafield’, Provincial Lady goes Further 50
          18. 1992
            Here I am..—once charged with high crimes against the state and threatened with a death sentence—about to ride freely into Moscow.
            World Monitor February 45/4
        3. II.9.c.
          Old English–
          Advanced, abstruse, difficult to comprehend; (also) †difficult to perform, arduous (obsolete). In later use frequently with nouns denoting a subject of study (cf. higher adj. A.II.4).
          1. eOE
            Ardui [propositi], ðæs hean hades.
            Cleopatra Glossary in J. J. Quinn, Minor Lat.-Old English Glossaries in MS Cotton Cleopatra A.III (Ph.D. diss., Stanford Univ.) (1956) 98
          2. a1382
            Ful heeȝ to the fool wisdam.
            Bible (Wycliffite, early version) (Douce MS. 369(1)) (1850) Proverbs xxiv. 7
          3. a1450
            She asked hym many an hye questioun, and he answered hir sufficiantly.
            St. Katherine (Richardson MS. 44) (1884) 16
          4. 1489 (a1380)
            He was worthi a prynce to be Yat couth with sa hey a thing But gret tynsaill bring till ending.
            J. Barbour, Bruce (Advocates' Library MS.) xvii. 913
          5. a1533
            So high sentences, as he wrot.
            Lord Berners, translation of A. de Guevara, Golden Boke of Marcus Aurelius (1546) sig. D.ij
          6. a1550 (1471)
            When they suche high thinges take in hande, Which they in no wise vnderstande.
            G. Ripley, Compend of Alchemy (Bodleian e Mus. MS.) f. 46 (Middle English Dictionary)
          7. a1568
            Neuer passe farre forward in hie and hard sciences.
            R. Ascham, Scholemaster (1570) i. f. 4v
          8. 1611
            Such knowledge is too wonderfull for me: it is high, I cannot attaine vnto it.
            Bible (King James) Psalms cxxxix. 6
          9. 1667
            Speculations high or deep.
            J. Milton, Paradise Lost ix. 602
          10. 1743
            Where any Thing therein seems too hard or high for its Comprehension, there humbly to acquiesce.
            W. Worthington, Ess. on Man's Redempt. Preface p. v
          11. 1788
            In the investigation of high and abstruse subjects, he displayed a bold originality of mind, deep thought, close reasoning, and a lively imagination.
            W. Agutter, Serm. Death J. Henderson 7
          12. 1818
            Though men of high science, like Leslie or Playfair, may smile at the papers of a senior wrangler.
            Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine February 483/1
          13. 1887
            Not for a moment is it intended here to deprecate the use of high mathematics.
            Journal of Society of Arts vol. 35 303/1
          14. 1909
            As to the thief, his business required a very high knowledge of Mathematics. (Laughter).
            Mathematical Gazette vol. 5 25
          15. 1992
            Now came a period of discussion over the..standard of engine efficiency... This was high theory compared with the practical problems of the day.
            S. Holloway, Courage High! xvi. 133/1
          16. 2004
            Iraq... Ask yourself whether this colossal American enterprise will fail or succeed. This is not high science, only pedestrian calculation.
            New York Times 27 June iv. 1/3
        4. II.9.d.
          ?1548–
          Of living things: occupying a high rank in the (notional) hierarchy of creation; having a highly developed or complex organization. Cf. higher adj. A.II.5.
          1. ?1548
            God hath appoynted me, Mankynde to ouerse, And in hys hart to sytt. To teache hym, for to knowe, In the creatures hygh and lowe, Hys gloryouse mageste.
            J. Bale, Comedy Thre Lawes Nature ii. sig. B
          2. 1640
            Nature is an utter stranger to it, it is hid from the knowledge of all creatures, high or low, one or other.
            G. Abbot, Whole Booke of Iob Paraphrased xxviii. 171
          3. a1752
            Wide as the universe, ev'n so Hath God his table spread; And all his creatures high and low, Still at his cost are fed.
            R. Erskine, Job's Hymns (1753) 68
          4. 1897
            Without this power and the plasticity which results from it the multitudinous parts of high animals could not well be coordinated.
            Science 17 December 901/2
          5. 1922
            Lower members of the group have both asexual and sexual methods of reproduction, while among the high fungi sexual development is less evident.
            W. Partridge, Aids Bacteriol. (ed. 4) xvi. 168
          6. 1943
            Indeed, it is possible that one of the features of the discontinuity of behavior observable when comparing humans with other high mammals may lie in that the other mammals are limited to predictive behaviour of a low order.
            Philosophy of Science vol. 10 21
          7. 1982
            Anguish among people, high apes and low apes, geniuses and fools.
            J. Gardner, Mickelsson's Ghosts ii. x. 394
          8. 2008
            Fleeing during rapid-killing outbreaks also may be rooted in the genes of high primates as well as in humans.
            B. S. Hewlett & B. L. Hewlett, Ebola, Culture & Politics 143
          life sciences
      3. II.10.
        Old English–
        Chief, principal, main; special, solemn. Now chiefly in particular collocations: see also high altar n., high day n.1 1, high road n., high street n., etc.
        1. OE
          Nabochodonossor..heold hæleða gestreon and þa hean burh.
          Daniel 665
        2. OE
          Þeah ðe us syn ealle þa halgan drihtenlican tida..to weorðienne and to wuldrienne, hwæðere þeos [sc. Holy Saturday] is ofer ealle oðre heah, and halig.
          Homily (Bodleian MS. 340) (Dict. Old Eng. transcript)
        3. a1225 (?OE)
          Reste ȝefe þen sunne-dei a þet cume þin heh domes dei.
          MS Lambeth in R. Morris, Old English Homilies (1868) 1st Series 45 (Middle English Dictionary)
        4. c1325 (c1300)
          Vor þe heye tounes in þe lond & þe castles þer to Mid gode kniȝtes let astory.
          Chronicle of Robert of Gloucester (Caligula MS.) l. 5422
        5. a1400 (a1325)
          For þair hei fest sake.
          Cursor Mundi (Vespasian MS.) l. 10428
        6. a1425 (?c1384)
          He was not clepid..hiȝ disciple of Crist.
          J. Wyclif, Select English Works (1871) vol. III. 341
        7. 1490
          We wryte..the hyghe festes wyth rede lettres of coloure of purpre.
          W. Caxton, translation of Boke yf Eneydos xxii. sig. Fvv
        8. a1556
          A place..where the hie market is holden on Saint Nicholas day.
          R. Chancellor in R. Hakluyt, Principal Navigations (1598) vol. I. 237
        9. a1642
          There is no difference touching repairs of the High streams and the highways in my opinion.
          R. Callis, Reading of Statute of Sewers (1647) ii. 88
        10. ?1677
          Houses which front high and Principal Streets.
          S. Primatt, City & Covntry Purchaser & Builder 72
        11. 1702
          The most principal and high Streets, even from Aldgate to Westminster.
          Brief Hist. Trade Eng. 152
        12. 1791
          The vast magnitude of this church becomes most visible on high feasts.
          J. Trapp, translation of J. W. von Archenholz, Picture of Italy vol. II. ix. 52
        13. 1842
          Holy-grass, this grass is said to be used at high festivals, for strewing the churches in Prussia.
          C. W. Johnson, Farmer's Encyclopedia 636/1
        14. 1878
          On our return, we found the little town enjoying high market-day, and its privilege of rowing and screaming over a bargain.
          R. Browning, Letter 28 September (1966) 69
        15. 1900
          On the next high feast day the combat should take place—a combat to the death, with one chance in a million for the man.
          Overland Monthly November 458/1
        16. 1972
          For the high festivals: Machsorim—Tallisim—Kittles—Coppels. Unrivalled selection of New Year cards.
          Jewish Chronicle 1 September 22/1 (advertisement)
      4. II.11.
        Old English–
        Showing pride or self-importance; haughty, pretentious, arrogant, overbearing; (in response to hurt pride) resentful, angry, heated. Chiefly (now literary) of words, actions, feelings, etc.; occasionally also (now regional) of a person.
        In high words (cf. high words at word n. A.I.2d) now often merged with sense A.III.17a.
        1. OE
          Efne þu wære nu oð þis upahafen on þisse worulde æhtum.., nu gedafnað þe þæt þu beo geeaðmet of þire hean idelnysse.
          St. Eustace (Julius MS.) in W. W. Skeat, Ælfric's Lives of Saints (1900) vol. II. 198
        2. c1275 (?a1200)
          Heȝe word he spekeð. þat alle heo wullet quellen quic þat heo findeð.
          Laȝamon, Brut (Caligula MS.) (1963) l. 753
        3. c1325 (c1300)
          Þoru som heye herte þer wax a lute strif Bituene þe erl of aungeo, & þe emperesse is wif.
          Chronicle of Robert of Gloucester (Caligula MS.) 9104
        4. 1487 (a1380)
          His hert, that wes stout and he [1489 Advocates' Library MS. hey], Consalit hym allane to byde.
          J. Barbour, Bruce (St. John's Cambridge MS.) vi. 116
        5. a1500
          High wordes makiþ not a man holy & riȝtwise.
          translation of Thomas à Kempis, De Imitatione Christi (Trinity Dublin MS.) (1893) 2
        6. 1523
          A man of hye mynde, right cruell, and full of yuell condycions.
          Lord Berners, translation of J. Froissart, Cronycles vol. I. ccxxxi. 313
        7. c1560
          Quhen scho growis heich, I draw on dreich, To vesy and behald the end.
          A. Scott, Poems (Scottish Text Society) xxvii. 31
        8. 1649
          No Christian Prince not drunk with high mind..would arrogate so unreasonably above human condition.
          J. Milton, Tenure of Kings 12
        9. 1661
          Endeed, the bishops are so high, that very few do love them.
          S. Pepys, Diary 20 March (1970) vol. II. 57
        10. 1703
          The Soldiery..grew very high, and would obey no Orders..but of their own making.
          Clarendon's History of Rebellion vol. II. vi. 67
        11. 1710
          [She] had from her Infancy discovered so imperious a Temper (usually called a High Spirit) that [etc.].
          R. Steele, Tatler No. 231. ⁋2
        12. 1781
          High in demand, though lowly in pretence.
          W. Cowper, Truth 93
        13. 1806
          The wild woman..was at high words with the witches.
          R. Cumberland, Memoirs (1807) vol. II. 156
        14. 1849
          Many who talked in high language about sacrificing their lives and fortunes for their country.
          T. B. Macaulay, History of England vol. II. ix. 404
        15. 1918
          Yer blinkin' 'igh wif yer wants, ayen't ye?
          R. D. Holmes, Yankee in Trenches 25
        16. 1922
          Feth! it's a dizzy, restless warl', When folk sae heich maun turn and harle.
          T. S. Cairncross, Scot at Hame 4
        17. 1935
          The change was unattended by anything more remarkable than some high words at the Althing.
          G. Jones, Four Icelandic Sagas 139
        18. 1993
          Being delayed by some high words with my servant for leaving my close-stool uncleansed.
          P. Ackroyd, House of Dr. Dee (1994) v. 184
        poetic and literary
        1. II.12.a.
          a1425–
          Of the condition of an animal, crop, or of soil: resulting from heavy feeding or fertilization. Usually as an undesirable quality. Cf. high farming n.
          1. a1425
            Noman kepe his flesch to hee, Bot his frele flesch menly to fede.
            Templum Domini in R. Cornelius, Figurative Castle (Ph.D. diss., Bryn Mawr Coll.) (1930) 74
          2. c1475
            Yf a man haue an hors and kepe hym not to hye, He may then reull hym.
            Mankind (1969) l. 241
          3. 1575
            If shee [sc. the hawke] bee high and not well enseamed, hir meate must be throughly washed, that it may skowre hir the better.
            G. Turberville, Booke of Faulconrie 338
          4. 1600
            In the beginning of autumne they [sc. hawkes] must be brought downe by laxatiue medicines, if they be too high, as namely by giuing them aloes with their meate.
            R. Surflet, translation of C. Estienne & J. Liébault Maison Rustique vii. xliii. 872
          5. 1794
            This disease most frequently happens, when a cow calves either in hot weather, or when in very high condition.
            T. Wedge, General View of Agriculture Chester 36
          6. 1834
            This occurs particularly in young cows after their first calving, and when they are in a somewhat too high condition.
            W. Youatt, Cattle xvi. 553
          7. 1861
            At the proper season the broad bean is sown, and in the spring it is turned into the ground for manure, making the soil high and allowing the cotton roots to spread and strike deep.
            Annual Rep. Commissioner Patents 1860: Agriculture 472 in U.S. Congress. Serial Set (36th Congr., 2nd Sess.: House of Representatives Executive Doc. 48) vol. VIII
          8. 1886
            Hill ewes are never in too high condition; the danger is all the other way.
            C. Scott, Practice of Sheep-farming 116
          9. 1902
            It is better not to grow barley after roots fed off by sheep, as this rotation leaves the land..in too ‘high’ a condition... By taking barley as a second corn crop, the latter following roots fed off, or a ‘high’ crop, [etc.].
            Encyclopædia Britannica vol. XXVI. 361/1
          10. 1995
            A naturally fertile soil might be out of condition, and a naturally poor soil in high condition.
            Agric. Hist. Review vol. 43 184/1
          agriculturesoil science
        2. II.12.b.
          ?c1430–
          Of food, drink, or eating: rich in flavour or quality; luxurious.
          1. ?c1430 (c1400)
            To drynke heiȝe wynes.
            J. Wyclif, English Works (1880) 157
          2. 1542
            Plato checked and rebuked Aristippus for that he was so sweete mouthed, and drouned in the voluptuousnesse of high fare.
            N. Udall, translation of Erasmus, Apophthegmes i. f. 45
          3. 1600
            Like a horse, Full of high feeding.
            W. Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 2 i. i. 10
          4. 1616
            It was over high meat for my weak stomach to digest.
            in J. Russell, Haigs of Bemersyde (1881) vi. 138
          5. 1626
            Almonds that are not of so high a taste as Flesh.
            F. Bacon, Sylua Syluarum §48
          6. 1692
            Strong Meats, strong Drinks, high Sauces are not convenient, as being many times very hurtful to the Memory and Understanding.
            L. D., Check to Debauchery vii. 62
          7. 1729
            High eating and drinking, fine cloaths, and fine houses.
            W. Law, Serious Call vi. 83
          8. 1733
            A gross, full, high Diet, is [improper] for a poor, thin, low, valetudinary Creature.
            G. Cheyne, English Malady Preface p. viii
          9. 1735
            Prouder than the D——l, With feeding high, and Treatment civil.
            J. Swift, Stella at Wood-Park in Works vol. II. 213
          10. 1825
            After made dishes, or high cheese, all wines appear good, or at least much better than they really are.
            W. H. Hilton, translation of A. Jullien, Wine-merchant's Companion i. 4
          11. 1878
            We may rely on it that the servants of Dives himself had strongly defined ideas as to the proportion of high feasting that should accompany the purple and fine linen of their patron.
            Chambers's Journal 2 February 69/1
          12. 1883
            Patient under blows and abstemious under high-feeding.
            F. M. Crawford, Mr. Isaacs 2
          13. 1908
            The event was celebrated by solemn Mass, followed by high eating and higher drinking.
            E. Higginson, Alaska xxi. 252
          14. 1913
            They are forced to eat high foods, such as richly cooked meats and foods containing a high percentage of carbon.
            J. J. Henderson, Sci. Food Selection Introduction 4
          15. 2013
            My private three-day adventure—a tantalizing mix of high dining and lowly street food, with a tasty serving of culture and history on the side—steeps me in the world of authentic Cantonese cuisine.
            USA Today (Nexis) 29 March 4d
        3. II.12.c.
          1789–1865
          † U.S. Of tobacco: moist. Cf. earlier in high case at case n.1 5b. Obsolete.
          1. 1789
            If the tobacco is too high in case when it is struck, it will be apt to rot when it gets into a sweat.
            American Museum June 540/2
          2. 1850
            Tobacco should not be too moist, or ‘high’ as it is termed, when put in the stalk-bulks.
            Annual Rep. Commissioner Patents 1849: Agriculture 322 in U.S. Congress. Serial Set (31st Congr., 1st Sess.: House of Representatives Executive Doc. 20, Pt. 2) vol. VI
          3. 1865
            Care must be taken that the tobacco does not imbibe too much moisture, or get too high in case before it is bulked.
            Transactions Illinois State Agricultural Society 1861–4 vol. 5 669
          tobaccoU.S. English
        4. II.12.d.
          a1817–
          Of meat, esp. game: tending towards decomposition; slightly tainted; usually as a desirable condition. Hence: having a strong odour. Also in extended use.
          1. a1817
            As the partridges were pretty high, Dr Richards would have them sent away to the other end of the Table.
            J. Austen, Watsons in Works (1954) vol. VI. 344
          2. 1825
            The fish is rather high.
            C. M. Westmacott, English Spy vol. II. 112
          3. 1870
            A jest or a proverb (if a little high he liked them none the worse).
            J. R. Lowell, My Study Windows 161
          4. 1879
            Alligators and crocodiles..prefer their food very high.
            F. T. Pollok, Sport in British Burmah vol. I. 168
          5. 1901
            Carnivorous mollusks..are found in lobster-pots baited with ‘high’ fish which they have smelled through the water.
            E. Step, Shell Life iv. 52
          6. 1979
            The room was high with the thin stink of their preservative.
            J. Raban, Arabia through Looking Glass vii. 299
          7. 2010
            A dish of roast wood pigeon which was unbelievably high (really, really whiffy, like the most ancient pheasant nailed to an outhouse wall and forgotten).
            Times (Nexis) 1 May (Magazine) 69
          food and cooking
        1. II.13.a.
          ?1535–
          Extreme in opinion (esp. religious or political); carrying an opinion or doctrine to an extreme. Cf. high Tory n. & adj.
          1. ?1535
            That confydence yt they maye be saued by theyr workes, for els they make a god & sauyoure of theyr workes, whch is hyghe ydolatrye.
            translation of M. Luther, Treat. Good Workes sig. d.viiv
          2. 1591
            Their former superstition in tyme of high poperie.
            H. Barrow, Plaine Refut. Giffardes Bk. i. 40
          3. 1612
            We obserue in the multitude the high atheisme.
            T. Taylor, Αρχὴν Ἁπάντων: Commentarie Epistle Paul to Titus (iii. 6) 662
          4. 1655
            High Royalists will maintain, that murmuring and muting against Princes differ only in degree, not in kinde.
            T. Fuller, Church-history of Britain xi. 162
          5. 1675
            To prove (against the Socinians, and the high Atheists of the day..) that there is a Hell, a place of torment.
            T. Brooks, Golden Key sig. b3
          6. 1775
            These committees generally consist of the highest whigs, or at least there is some high whig upon them, that is the ruling spirit of the whole.
            D. Leonard, Massachusettensis iii. 35
          7. 1798
            Men born out of due time; above two centuries too late for the favourable reception of their High-Catholic principles.
            T. Scantlebury, Rights of Protestants Asserted 40
          8. 1829
            A..plunge from the pinnacle of high belief, into the bottomless gulf of universal scepticism.
            I. Taylor, Natural History of Enthusiasm (1867) iv. 77
          9. 1840
            I do not mean the high Conservative party, but that off-set from it—that moderate, I may call it that Liberal Conservative party.
            Mirror of Parliament (3rd Sess., 14th Parl.) vol. 1 446/1
          10. 1898
            When he was but three-and-twenty, he was elected member for Stockbridge, as an adherent of those high Whig principles with which his family had been so long identified.
            ‘Thormanby’, Kings of Turf 247
          11. 1974
            High Whiggery..was bound to develop into a curious, and glacial, kind of bitter conservatism.
            Financial Times 15 August 22/4
          12. 1997
            Those brave Scottish souls who ran counter to the increasingly dominant High Calvinist orthodoxy, and dared to preach the indiscriminate nature of God's prevenient grace.
            Church Times 24 January 15/5
          politicsreligion
        2. II.13.b.
          1681–
          Frequently with capital initial. = High Church adj.
          1. 1681
            I do challenge any of the Teachers amongst the Baptists, or Independents, or Presbyters, or Papists, or Jesuits, high Priests and low Priests; for these are all blind Guides, and their Profession is rotten.
            J. Pennyman, Abstr. Quakers Challenge (single sheet)
          2. 1706
            'Tis no wonder they [sc. the Highfliers] treat them [sc.16th-cent. Reformers] so, since in all their Notions concerning the Power of the Clergy, they are too High for the Reformation.
            M. Tindal, Rights of Christian Church iv. 145
          3. 1710
            The present Constitution of our Church, as divided into High and Low.
            J. Addison, Tatler No. 220. ⁋3
          4. a1734
            Conformable Loyal Gentlemen, whom we will cry down for High Men, that is Adherents to Popery.
            R. North, Examen (1740) ii. v. §49 345
          5. 1827
            High and Low, Watch-words of Party, on all tongues are rife; As if a Church..must owe To opposites and fierce extremes her life.
            W. Wordsworth, Sacheverel 9
          6. 1867
            They had to talk..about the music in Masterton church, and whether the new vicar was High or Low, which was a very difficult question for Powys.
            Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine July 15/1
          7. a1890
            It was a high Anglican sermon.
            R. W. Church, Oxford Movement (1891) xvi. 295
          8. 1932
            The High antics of the new curate, his duckings, wavings, uprisings at the altar.
            R. Lehmann, Invitation to Waltz i. iii. 41
          9. 1944
            A lamp of ruby glass and gilt hung in front of a holy picture. ‘Is he Roman Catholic, or only High?’ thought Orvil.
            D. Welch, In Youth is Pleasure iv. 70
          10. 2010
            The rumour went round that he rode a donkey through the church on Palm Sunday. For Fr Lowe was High, indeed an Anglo-Catholic, and anything, almost, could be believed of his services.
            Daily Telegraph (Nexis) 27 February 29
          Anglican Church
      7. II.14.
        1649–1721
        † Zealous, eager, keen. Esp. with for. Obsolete.
        1. 1649
          The Priests are high for concluding a Union.
          Levellers New Remonstr. sig. A3v
        2. a1680
          He is high for the House of Austria, and would be flayed alive for the King of Spain.
          J. Bargrave, Pope Alexander VII (1867) i. iv. 10
        3. 1692
          The house of lords were high on the lord Huntington and Marlboroughs commitment.
          N. Luttrell, Diary in Brief Historical Relation of State Affairs (1857) vol. II. 611
        4. 1704
          I venture, for it's a Venture at this Time, to own the name of an High-Church-Man. No man thinks it a Disparagement to be High, that is Zealous in any good thing.
          C. Leslie, Wolf Stript 4
        5. 1706
          Our first Reformers were as Low for Church, as they were High for Religion.
          M. Tindal, Rights of Christian Church iv. 144
        6. 1721
          The same worthy, but waggish Pens, represent him with the same Breath, as an abandon'd Atheist, and a bigotted Presbyterian; while others plainly prove him a flaming Jacobite, and an arrant Republican; that is, one who is high for Monarchy, and one who is against all Monarchy.
          J. Trenchard & T. Gordon, 4th Coll. Cato's Polit. Letters in London Journal 40
    3. III.
      Greater than average, or above the normal level, in value, size, quantity, or intensity, and related senses.
        1. III.15.a.
          Old English–
          Great, or greater than normal, in amount, level, size, or intensity; extreme; strong, forcible, violent.
          Frequently with implied reference to position in a vertical graduated scale.
          high explosive: see Compounds C.4.
          1. OE
            Heah wæs þæt handlean and him hold frea.
            Exodus 19
          2. lOE
            Þa gestod hine heah weder and stormsæ.
            King Ælfred, translation of Boethius, De Consolatione Philosophiae (Bodleian MS.) (2009) vol. I. xxxviii. 350
          3. c1225 (?c1200)
            He bihet to meaðin ham wið swiðe heh mede.
            St. Katherine (Bodleian MS.) (1981) l. 152
          4. a1398
            Rede vreyne and hiȝe [Latin vrina rubæ et intensa] of colour; sore hedeache; wakinge.
            J. Trevisa, translation of Bartholomaeus Anglicus, De Proprietatibus Rerum (British Library Add. MS. 27944) (1975) vol. I. iv. x. 159
          5. c1400 (?c1380)
            Þe wenches..folȝed..Trynande ay a hyȝe trot þat torne never dorsten.
            Cleanness (1920) l. 976
          6. c1405 (c1385)
            Now looketh is nat that an heigh folye.
            G. Chaucer, Knight's Tale (Hengwrt MS.) (2003) l. 940
          7. a1500 (a1460)
            When ryches is he, Then comys pouerté.
            Towneley Plays (1994) vol. I. xii. 106
          8. a1535
            What state..hath not high cause to tremble and quake?
            T. More, Treatice upon Passion in Workes (1557) 1272/1
          9. 1565
            A very high or glisteryng redde colour.
            T. Cooper, Thesaurus at Ardentissimus color
          10. 1601
            Where they are in high request.
            R. Johnson, translation of G. Botero, Trauellers Breuiat 15
          11. a1616
            Till the high Feauor seeth your blood to froth.
            W. Shakespeare, Timon of Athens (1623) iv. iii. 432
          12. 1634
            Wee had the winde high and large.
            T. Herbert, Relation of Some Yeares Trauaile 5
          13. 1644
            High hopes of living to be brave men, and worthy patriots.
            J. Milton, Of Education 4
          14. 1674
            Even their Crowes are white, to as high a degree as our Swans.
            translation of P. M. de la Martinière, New Voyage into Northern Countries 61
          15. 1693
            Earl of Westmorland also died, as 'tis reported, with high drinking.
            A. Wood, Life & Times (1894) vol. III. 438
          16. 1722
            The Plague was so high, as that there dy'd 4000 a Week.
            D. Defoe, Journal of Plague Year 104
          17. 1789
            Who think it an high joke.
            M. Madan in New & Literal Translation of Juvenal & Persius vol. II. 326
          18. 1796
            Mr. Westwyn, unbribed by the high praise of his son.
            F. Burney, Camilla vol. V. ix. xii. 230
          19. 1816
            This fine country..whose people class morally so high in the scale of mankind.
            M. Keating, Travels in Europe & Africa vol. II. 92
          20. 1820
            The temperature in London was as high as 93°. 5.
            W. Scoresby, Account of Arctic Regions vol. I. 350 (note)
          21. 1897
            An essential constituent of several of the high explosives.
            T. C. Allbutt et al., System of Medicine vol. II. 958
          22. 1937
            I saw dozens of our sisters having their hair done, their faces reassembled and their nails brought to a high shine.
            Washington Post 19 March 15/7
          23. 1942
            An instrument which holds out high promise of useful service to the clinician.
            Lancet 26 December 759/2
          24. 1990
            The rays redden his already naturally high colour.
            H. Thurston, Tidal Life 28/3
          25. 2000
            The impeccably high standards of musicianship this band always displays.
            Vancouver Province (Nexis) 28 March b5
        2. III.15.b.
          1542–
          Of a price, rate, amount, percentage, etc.: having a large numerical value. Also: (of a commodity) high-priced, expensive, costly; (of money) lent out at a high rate of interest; (of a currency) having a relatively high exchange rate.
          1. 1542
            Images and porteratures of menne wer in olde tyme bought at high prices.
            N. Udall, translation of Erasmus, Apophthegmes f. 88
          2. 1608
            To sel their liues at as high a rate as possibly they can.
            D. Tuvill, Essaies Politicke, & Morall f. 69
          3. 1622
            If moneys be here low and elsewhere high, how is this knowne but by the valuation of Exchange?
            G. de Malynes, Consuetudo x. 422
          4. 1692
            This presently makes the Exchange very high.
            J. Locke, Some Considerations Lowering of Interest 180
          5. 1713
            I suppose now Stocks are high.
            J. Swift, Part of 7th Epist. Horace Imitated 11
          6. 1783
            The fair traders are burthened with high duties and obliged to be under very troublesome excise laws.
            G. Bishop, Observ. Smuggling 18
          7. 1804
            Rent in Calcutta still continues high.
            W. Tennant, Indian Recreations (ed. 2) vol. I. 65
          8. 1823
            But bread was high, the farmer paid his way.
            Lord Byron, Age of Bronze xiv. 29
          9. 1869
            Low-trained hedges may be necessary where land is limited in area, and high in price.
            Annual Report of Commissioner of Agriculture 1868 249 in U.S. Congress. Serial Set (40th Congr., 3rd Sess.: House of Representatives Executive Doc.) vol. XV
          10. 1879
            The name domite..has been applied to trachytes which contain a high percentage of silica.
            F. Rutley, Study of Rocks xii. 226
          11. 1889
            This palace alone is worth a fortune, situated..in the fashionable quarter of St. Petersburg, where land is very high.
            A. C. Gunter, That Frenchman! xvii. 209
          12. 1913
            Movie rights come high; Jack London sues to restrain screen productions of his work, and to recover damages.
            Los Angeles Times 20 September ii. 1/5 (heading)
          13. 1922
            Vegetable matter, largely deprived of its hydrogen and containing a high proportion of carbon, is found in horizontal seams of coal.
            T. M. Lowry, Inorganic Chemistry xxviii. 439
          14. 1964
            ‘Prediabetes’, or the early stages, has been found in a surprisingly high percentage of the population.
            New Scientist 27 August 482/3
          15. 1988
            The high dollar..as well as improvements in global telecommunications have been important factors contributing to increased production abroad by US companies.
            Oxford Rev. Econ. Policy Winter 60
          16. 1991
            Prices are high. Customers are greeted by the cloakroom attendant and the floor manager and shown to a table.
            Guardian 1 November 28/2
          17. 2007
            Mr Lu expects gold to remain high, despite a correction in recent days to just over $800 an ounce.
            South China Morning Post (Nexis) 14 November (Business section) 2
          economics and commerce
        3. III.15.c.
          1594–
          Originally (of a gold or silver alloy): †having a high or a specified proportion of the pure metal (obsolete). In later use (in high carat): designating such a proportion. Cf. fine adj. A.I.2a.ii.
          1. 1594
            The golde being 24 Carots high, & the siluer 12 ounces fine.
            H. Plat, Jewell House 85 (heading)
          2. 1683
            Let it cement again (as before) 24 hours, do this till the Gold is very clean, and high to your delight.
            J. Pettus, translation of L. Ercker ii. xli. 209 in Fleta Minor i
          3. 1818
            The gold might indeed have been of the same high carat, but more substantial.
            C. Kelsall, Contantine & Eugene 238
          4. 1912
            It is a wise precaution to flow around the dowel, about where it is to be soldered to the crown, high carat solder or pure gold, raising the temperature sufficiently high to make it flow freely.
            Dental Brief vol. 17 152
          5. 1998
            A dealer will sometimes test for gold and can tell you if a particular piece is high carat.
            A. L. Luthi, Sentimental Jewellery 36/2
          6. 2005
            This is because pure gold and high-carat gold alloys anneal and soften when heated above about 450° C.
            D. M. Jacobson & G. Humpston, Princ. Brazing v. 197/2
          metal industry
        4. III.15.d.
          1601–
          Geography. Designating a latitude that is far from the equator (and, therefore, designated by a high number); located at such a latitude.
          See also high Arctic adj. & n.
          1. 1601
            These were the first Spanyards which had beene in so high a latitude toward the north.
            R. Hakluyt, translation of A. Galvano, Discov. World 59
          2. 1693
            This, tho' it be of little consequence near the Equinoctial, will make a great error in high Latitudes, where the Sun rises and sets obliquely.
            Philosophical Transactions (Royal Society) vol. 16 572
          3. 1748
            Very high latitudes not far from the polar circle.
            B. Robins & R. Walter, Voyage round World by Anson ii. v. 182
          4. 1788
            Many other provinces in America, even as high as Newfoundland and Nova-Scotia.
            J. Wesley, Works (1872) vol. VI. 282
          5. 1823
            This kind of fog, peculiar to high latitudes.
            W. Scoresby, Journal of Voyage to Northern Whale-fishery 31
          6. 1881
            The acquaintance I had made..with the bird-world of the high north.
            A. Leslie, translation of A. E. Nordenskiöld, Voyage of Vega vol. II. xi. 42
          7. 1974
            The dynamics of the circulation in high southern latitudes should be examined with coupled global models of the atmospheric, oceanic, and cryospheric systems.
            U.S. Contrib. Polar Exper. (National Acad. Sci. U.S.A.) vol. II. iii. 18
          8. 2005
            Their high northern latitude meant a short summer growing season in which to produce pasture grass and hay.
            J. Diamond, Collapse (2006) 1
          geography
        5. III.15.e.
          1640–
          Of a stake (literal or figurative): large. Also: played for large stakes.
          1. 1640
            When their owne Fame shall come to be questioned; they hold that too precious a prize, too high a stake to bee hazarded.
            R. Brathwait, Ar't Asleepe Husband? 221
          2. 1672
            They plaid only to pass the time as one ought always with true friends; for if high play destroy not friendship, yet it may lessen it.
            translation of P. de Clérembault, Conversations ii. 36
          3. 1699
            These Vermine play at high Games, nothing will serve some of them less than a Settlement of two or three Hundred per Annum, a Coach, fine Lodgings, Plate, China and other things suitable for a Whore of Rank.
            Country Gentleman's Vade-mecum xv. 111
          4. 1714
            If Pleasure be all, why is the Stake so high?
            T. Lucas, Mem. Most Famous Gamesters & Sharpers sig. A2v
          5. 1783
            The Moment you give up yourself to Gaming for high Stakes, unseasonable Banqueting, and impure Brothel-Houses.
            H. Bright, Praxis 72
          6. 1793
            He frequented, when he was in London, all the houses where high play is carried on; and was so much accustomed to see thousands paid and received at these places as matters of course.
            C. Smith, Old Manor House vol. II. vi. 130
          7. 1828
            You are playing a high game, look you play it fairly.
            W. Scott, Fair Maid of Perth i, in Chronicles of Canongate 2nd Series vol. II. 13
          8. 1887
            A notice cautioning members against high play.
            Law Reports: Weekly Notes 5 February 21/2
          9. 1891
            He was a habitue of gambling houses and rolled the bones for very high stakes.
            Atlanta Const. 9 June 1/6
          10. 1918
            If th' stakes are high an' the breaks anywhere near equal, I'll risk my last dollar or my last breath.
            C. E. Mulford, Man from Bar-20 xiii. 128
          11. 1925
            In circles where high play predominates, there was introduced a variation of the above count, called ‘Le Vulnerable’.
            Work-Whitehead Auction Bridge Bulletin October 5
          12. 1992
            But in the evenings he liked to play high poker for stakes and drink Thai whisky.
            Evening Standard (Nexis) 25 February 10
          13. 2011
            This new Middle East cold war comes complete with its own spy-versus-spy intrigues, disinformation campaigns, shadowy proxy forces..and very high stakes.
            Wall Street Journal 16 April c1/1
          gambling
        6. III.15.f.
          1742–
          Cards. Of a playing card: having the largest, or a particularly large, numerical value in the context of a particular game, part of a game, or hand. With the name of the card prefixed (as ace-high adj., king high, etc.): (of a hand or suit) having the specified card as the highest. Cf. sense B.6.
          1. 1742
            You thereby gain a Trick, which you could not have done but by playing the high Cards, and by keeping a small one to play to your Partner.
            E. Hoyle, Short Treatise Whist vi. 41
          2. 1846
            When I looked at my hand, thar was the King, Jack, Nine, and Deuce,—I led my King—‘High!’ says I.
            in W. T. Porter, Quarter Race in Kentucky 92
          3. 1868
            In the games of All- Fours and Sixty-Six, in which the highest cut has the deal, and Ace is high, and in Scat, where the highest Scat Card is high.
            W. B. Dick, Modern Pocket Hoyle 9
          4. 1870
            An United States Minister, who, in spite of his professed knowledge of the game, has been known to lay down two large pairs, when his opponent, who only held ace high, raised him with six hundred dollars already on the board.
            A. S. Evans, Our Sister Republic x. 246
          5. 1887
            Had I a ‘flush’ with ‘king high’ some one would be sure to rake in the shekels with ‘ace high’.
            ‘S. Cumberland’, Queen's Highway 276
          6. 1916
            High cards, two sure tricks, are just as necessary in the major suits as in the minor suits.
            R. F. Foster, Auction Bridge for All vii. 27
          7. 1945
            Oklahoma Rummy.., the cards rank in sequence as in standard rummy, but ace is high only and never low. Deuces are wild.
            A. A. Ostrow, Complete Card Player 578
          8. 1964
            You may rely upon two defensive tricks when your partner opens the bidding. These may not be in the actual suit he mentions, because it might, for example, be Knave high.
            N. Squire, Bidding at Bridge xxi. 172
          9. 1993
            It was what is known in poker as a Big Cat: king high, eight low, no pair, which only loses to a flush (all cards of the same suit).
            D. Burrus & R. Gittines, Technotrends (1994) v. 97
          10. 2006
            Most guys can't lay down a straight, and my queen-high straight beat his jack-high straight.
            P. Jillette & M. D. Lynn, How to Cheat Your Friends at Poker (new edition) 37
          cards
        7. III.15.g.
          1863–
          Nautical. Designating a vessel or its head: near the wind, pointing close to the wind. Cf. no higher at higher adj., adv., & n.1 Phrases P.2b.
          1. 1863
            Should the ship be standing along on a taut bowline, and the quartermaster perceives that a cloth or two of the main-topsail was lifting, he cries out, No higher! by which he means that the ship is not only too high, or too near the wind, but that she should go off a little.
            S. B. Luce, Seamanship (ed. 2) xxv. 471
          2. 1951
            The trade wind was coming... Our principle then was not to keep too high in the wind. We were not close-hauled and sailed with full sails so as to make good headway.
            M. A. Michael, translation of H. Thesleff, Farewell Windjammer xv. 214
          3. 1982
            ‘I believe you said we were too high in the wind?’ he said coolly, as the yacht glided smoothly..in the trough of a wave.
            C. Coulter, Devil's Embrace vii. 69
          nautical
        8. III.15.h.
          1877–
          In predicative use. With in. Of a substance: containing a large proportion of (a constituent substance).
          1. 1877
            The coal is high in sulphur.
            Rep. Commissioners, Inspectors, & Others Educ. Department Philadelphia International Exhib. vol. XIX. 303
          2. 1905
            Lines which are technically known as ‘ghosts’, namely lines of metal high in sulphur and phosphorus.
            Transactions Inst. Naval Architects vol. 47 ii. 369
          3. 1955
            Heavy wines, abundant in esters, high in alcoholic content, and in great demand for blending.
            H. J. Grossman, Guide to Wines, Spirits & Beers (revised edition) vi. 83
          4. 1989
            Be careful with soft drinks—they are very high in sugar and have no other nutrients.
            Parents December 50/3
        1. III.16.a.
          Old English–
          Of a time of day or season (esp. summer): well advanced; fully come, complete. Cf. high day n.1 2, high noon n. 1, high season n.
          The notion of the sun being high in the sky may be present in uses relating to daytime and summer; contrast the uses relating to night and winter at deep adj. II.14a.
          1. OE
            Þonne on lenctenfæsten ræden heora bec from ærmorgenne oð heane undern [Latin usque tertia plena].
            Rule St. Benet (Corpus Christi Cambridge MS.) xlviii. 74
          2. a1300
            At þon heye vndarne..Þer hi were to-gadere.
            Passion our Lord 657 in R. Morris, Old English Miscellany (1872) 56
          3. c1300 (c1250)
            Bi þat hit was middai hiȝ, Floriz was þe brigge niȝ.
            Floris & Blauncheflur (Cambridge MS.) (1966) l. 151
          4. a1375 (c1350)
            I seiȝ hire nouȝt seþ hieȝ midniȝt.
            William of Palerne (1867) l. 2066 (Middle English Dictionary)
          5. c1390 (a1376)
            At heiȝ prime perkyn lette þe plouȝ stonde.
            W. Langland, Piers Plowman (Vernon MS.) (1867) A. vii. l. 105
          6. 1546
            We will dine fyrst..it is noone hy.
            J. Heywood, Dialogue Prouerbes English Tongue i. xiii. sig. Fii
          7. 1569
            When they were ons gotten abowte hyghe midnight to sleape in theire bedds, ye might haue ronge a greate-bell over theire heades, longe ere they wolde wake.
            J. Leslie, Def. Honour Marie Quene of Scotl. i. f. 41
          8. 1650
            It was high-spring, and all the way Primros'd, and hung with shade.
            H. Vaughan, Silex Scintillans sig. A4
          9. 1693
            Sometimes the Courses, Seams or Rakes..are perpendicular, which they call the High time of the Day, or Twelve a Clock.
            G. Pooley in Philosophical Transactions (Royal Society) vol. 17 673
          10. 1711
            The Heat of the Weather was excessive, and the Season of the Year, it being high Summer, absolutely unfit for War in Africk.
            P. Abercromby, Martial Atchievem. Scots Nation vol. I. ii. ii. 335
          11. 1843
            Never will he set: whether it be high midday or deep midnight, he continues to shine like the summer sun in the remotest North.
            J. B. Heraud, Life & Times Girolamo Savonarola iii. 101
          12. 1847
            It was high summer too on the earth.
            D. M. Mulock in Chambers's Edinburgh Journal 17 April 246/1
          13. 1980
            Redolent of basil and dressed with a rich tomato sauce,..it's a dish that manages to recapture high summer.
            Gourmet February 17/2
          14. 2010
            We went there often, piling on to Uncle Szmul's cart and riding out into the country on those blissful days of high summer.
            J. Powell, Breaking of Eggs (2011) ix. 161
        2. III.16.b.
          c1400–
          high time: fully at or (now usually) nearly past the time when something should happen or be done. Frequently with that or to do something.
          1. c1400 (?a1387)
            Til plenitudo temporis hih tyme a-prochede.
            W. Langland, Piers Plowman (Huntington MS. HM 137) (1873) C. xix. l. 139
          2. a1450 (c1412)
            Go home to þi mete, It is hy tyme.
            T. Hoccleve, De Regimine Principum (Harley MS. 4866) (1897) l. 1990 (Middle English Dictionary)
          3. 1518
            It was hyghe tyme to goo in to the courte.
            H. Watson, translation of Hystorye Olyuer of Castylle xxx. sig. G. iijv
          4. 1581
            It was..high time to make a contrarie lawe.
            W. Lambarde, Eirenarcha i. vii. 37
          5. 1611
            Now it is high time to awake out of sleepe.
            Bible (King James) Romans xiii. 11
          6. 1713
            It is high Time for every Englishman to exert himself in Behalf of his Country.
            R. Steele, Englishman No. 42. 273
          7. 1813
            He began to think it was high time to toe the mark.
            ‘H. Bull-Us’, Diverting History of John Bull & Brother Jonathan (ed. 2) xii. 62
          8. 1883
            It is time, and high time, to pull up. Concede nothing more to Mr. Parnell.
            R. Churchill, Speech Edinburgh 20 December in Speeches 1880–1888 (1889) vol. I. 90
          9. 1910
            In so far as that policy finds expression in the common and statutory law of to-day, it is high time that the law was changed in the interest of the people.
            Outlook 25 June 365/2
          10. 1942
            It was high time for the people of the United States to..quit agonizing about their future interest in baseball.
            Life 11 May 24/3
          11. 2007
            It is high time licensing hours were trimmed back to no later than 10pm each night.
            News Rev. Messenger (Adelaide) (Nexis) 31 October 28
        3. III.16.c.
          c1400–
          Of a person's age: far on in years; advanced. Now chiefly in high old age. Cf. ripe adj. A.8b.
          In quot. c1400: mature.
          1. c1400 (?c1390)
            Gawayn glyȝt on þe gome..A hoge haþel for þe nonez, & of hyghe eldee.
            Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 844 (Middle English Dictionary)
          2. c1450 (?a1400)
            Þan answard him..all his proud princes..Hathils of hiȝe age Auncient kniȝtis.
            Wars of Alexander (Ashmole MS.) l. 1002
          3. 1609
            He..professed Greeke, from 18. and read and practised it to high olde age.
            H. Broughton, Def. Concent of Script. sig. D2
          4. 1782
            They attained to a high age, in peace, health and useful activity.
            translation of J. H. Campe, Robinson the Younger vol. II. xxx. 264
          5. 1863
            A lesser number of persons of high age is living than of middle-aged people.
            J. L. W. Thudichum, Treat. on Gall-stones vi. 210
          6. 1899
            Our good Father above gave to our brother unusual vigor of body and mind up to a high age.
            Christian-Evangelist 13 July 884/1
          7. 1929
            The survival of parents into a high old age in those ranks..is responsible in part for the reduced rate of reproduction in that group.
            Times 6 September 8/3
          8. 2012
            All her grandfather—then in high old age—wanted to do was sit in his studio and paint.
            Sunday Telegraph (Nexis) 1 January 17
        4. III.16.d.
          1806–
          Of a period of time or era, esp. with regard to its art or architecture: fully developed, at its peak. Cf. High Renaissance n.
          1. 1806
            The Host (or Corpus Christi) in a high Gothic frame-work of gold, under a rich canopy, surrounded by a blaze of candles.
            G. D. Whittington, Tour Spain & Portugal 37
          2. 1830
            It consists of narrow crooked streets full of angles, and is distinguished from almost every other town in the kingdom, by its high Gothic buildings, and a number of old Gothic churches. The houses are in general small and low.
            D. Brewster, Edinburgh Encyclopedia vol. IX. 231/1
          3. 1854
            Between this speculation, and his patronage of high medieval art, and his military occupations..the pile of money in his chest begins to decrease.
            Irish Quarterly Review March 89
          4. 1951
            In secular architecture High Victorian earnestness (and gloom) reign supreme in the buildings of Harrow School.
            N. Pevsner, Middlesex (Buildings of Eng.) Introduction 20
          5. 1961
            The high middle ages.
            Webster's 3rd New International Dictionary of English Language (at cited word)
          6. a1963
            Hence a modern finds those [chronicles] of the Dark Ages suspiciously epic and those of the High Middle Ages suspiciously romantic.
            C. S. Lewis, Discarded Image (1964) vii. 182
          7. 1965
            Such was the education of the High Middle Ages.
            K. Charlton, Education in Renaissance England ii. 21
          8. 1972
            The high Victorian Gothic style.
            Country Life 23 March 696/3
          9. 2000
            There is good evidence that even in the high Middle Ages ordination to the priesthood by non-bishops was allowed in some cases.
            A. Hastings in A. Hastings et al., Oxford Companion to Christian Thought 205/1
          architecture
        1. III.17.a.
          Old English–1851
          † Of the voice: raised, elevated, loud. Obsolete.
          1. OE
            Singað him niwne sang, and heriað hine swyþe wel mid heare stemne.
            King Ælfred, translation of Psalms (Paris MS.) (2001) xxxii. 3
          2. a1325 (c1250)
            God sente an steuene, brigt and heg:—‘Moyses, moyses, do of ðin s[h]on’.
            Genesis & Exodus (1968) l. 2780
          3. c1450 (?a1400)
            And vp he keste ane heghe cry.
            Duke Rowland & Sir Otuell (1880) l. 835
          4. 1526
            With highe and clamorous wordes or speche.
            W. Bonde, Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. aiii
          5. 1565
            After the Psalm the prayer following shall be said by the minister alone, with a high voice.
            in W. K. Clay, Liturg. Services Q. Eliz. (Parker Soc. MS.) 521
          6. 1646
            Shew no sign of choler, nor speak to him with too high an accent.
            F. Hawkins, translation of Youths Behaviour (ed. 4) iii. 21
          7. 1776
            Nor did he read it in so high a voice, that I should hear it.
            Trial of Maha Rajah Nundocomar for Forgery 77/1
          8. 1824
            Lady Holt's low voice was even then high enough to be heard by Beatrice, who distinctly heard the words, ‘plainest in the family’.
            M. White, Beatrice vol. I. iv. 82
          9. 1851
            He has spoken, nevertheless, though his announcement has not been high enough to be heard satisfactorily.
            American Whig Review June 484
        2. III.17.b.
          a1393–
          Of or with reference to a musical sound: produced or characterized by relatively rapid acoustic vibrations; acute in pitch; shrill.
          1. a1393
            Nou hihe notes and nou lowe, As be the gamme a man mai knowe.
            J. Gower, Confessio Amantis (Fairfax MS.) vii. l. 171
          2. a1450
            Whan þe tenor is hye the countertenor may be low, and whan þe tenor is low þan þe countertenor may be þe mene.
            Musical Treat. in Speculum (1935) vol. 10 261 (Middle English Dictionary)
          3. 1574
            An Heigh or shrill sound. Extentus sonus.
            J. Baret, Aluearie H 353
          4. 1577
            Thou beginnest with to high a note, as the Asse doth, and therefore thou makest an ill ende.
            H. Bull, translation of M. Luther, Commentarie 15 Psalmes (new edition) 144
          5. 1597
            Songs which are made for the high key.
            T. Morley, Plaine & Easie Introduction to Musicke 166
          6. 1654
            Raise your Treble or first string as high as you conceive it will hold without breaking.
            J. Playford, Breefe Introduction to Skill of Musick 29
          7. 1705
            I..went into a Key much too high.
            S. Sewall, Diary 28 December (1973) vol. I. 538
          8. 1818
            The Duke said, in his high, squeak tone of voice [etc.].
            T. Moore, Memoirs (1853) vol. II. 167
          9. 1875
            Every ear..distinguishes a high note from a low one..The low notes are characterised by the small number, the high notes by the large number of their vibrations per second.
            translation of P. Blaserna, Theory of Sound iv
          10. 1899
            Madame Lebrun was bustling in and out, giving orders in a