high-boy
† 1. One who lives ‘high’; a ‘fast’ man, libertine, gallant; cf. roaring boy. Obs.
| 1668 R. L'Estrange Vis. Quev. (1708) 104 Many Huffs and High-boys. a 1680 Brooks Wks. (1867) VI. 68 A high boy, or one that was strong to drink among others, or to drink down others! |
† 2. A partisan making high claims for his party; cf. high-flyer 3. Obs.
| 1648 Symmons Vind. Chas. I 117 These High-boyes say plainly that all such who are not of their opinion are perfect Malignants. 1715 S. Centlivre Gotham Election Wks. 1760–1 I. 177 Sir Rog. I am amaz'd to find you in the Interest of the High-Boys..Ald. Our Parson says that's only the Whig's Cant. |
3. = tallboy 2. U.S.
| 1891 Scribner's Mag. X. 353 In the top drawer of a high chest of drawers, a ‘high boy’. 1902 L. V. Lockwood Col. Furnit. Amer. 56 The common form of the flat-topped bandy-legged high-boy is made of cherry, maple or walnut. 1909 J. C. Lincoln Keziah Coffin i. 10 Removing towels, tablecloths, and the like from the drawers in a tall ‘high-boy’. 1926 Bulletin 29 June 10/2 The..lady..belonged against a background of mahogany highboys, old china..and an Adams' mantel. 1972 Town & Country Mar. 106/1 (caption) American William and Mary high⁓boy. |