HIGH. adj. Exalted in a perpendicular direction at a distance from the surface of the earth. Opposed to low.
1. High is a term altogether indefinite, and is employed to express the degree of elevation of any inanimate body. Thus, we say a high mountain, a high house, steeple, tower, pillar, &c. Nor is there any other word that can here be considered as synonymous; lofty being employed only to denote a very eminent degree of elevation.
2. To express the perpendicular elevation of vegetables either high or tall may be employed, as being in this case nearly synonymous. We may therefore say, a high or tall tree, a high or tall mast, &c. but with this difference between these two expressions, that tall can be more properly applied to those that are much elevated and of small dimensions; and high, to such as are more bulky, and of greater size.
3. The perpendicular height of man can never be expressed by the word high; tall being here the proper expression. And although high is sometimes used to express the height of other animals, yet it seems to be an improper expression. See TALL.
4. High, when applied to the human species, always refers to the mind; and denotes haughtiness, statelyness, pride, &c. and, when combined with the expressions of any energy of the mind, it denotes that in a higher degree. In this sense, it is opposed to meanness, abjectness, and humility.
5. As this is an indefinite term, tending to denote any thing that is elevated above us, it may be combined with almost every noun which admits of this elevation. And as objects high above us are always out of our reach, it is in a metaphorical sense used to denote any thing that seems to be above the ordinary condition of mankind; or those qualities or endowments of mind that are not easily acquired: as, dignity or elevation of sentiment; dignity of rank; acuteness in reasoning on difficult subjects; pride, haughtiness, or any other quality which seems beyond the ordinary level of mankind; dearness of price, &c.
6. In the same manner we apply this term to time; which having a metaphorical resemblance to a river flowing on with an unceasing current through all successive ages, any thing of remote antiquity is denoted by the term high.
7. Likewise those degrees of latitudes far removed from the line, where the pole becomes more elevated.
8. And to some particular crimes, as being at-
tended with peculiar degrees of guilt; as, high Dictionary treason.