Highfalutin. A corruption of “high-flighting.” This word originated in the western states of North America.
Highgate. The village that sprang up around the ancient toll gate on the road from London to Barnet. The tolls levied here were for the benefit of the Bishop of London. Even in our time this elevated situation commands a good view of London. The absurd ceremony of “swearing on the horns” was formerly imposed on all travellers passing through the gate.
High Seas. The great ocean highways out of sight of land and common to mariners of all nations.
High Tea. A substantial meat tea towards the close of the day in place of the fashionable set dinner. This is the invariable custom in Germany. In English it is usual to designate such a meal as a “Knife and Fork Tea.” See “[High Time].”
High Time. A phrase employed in the same sense as High Street, High Seas, Highway, etc.--i.e. great. The German word for wedding is Hochzeit, literally a “high time.” In America the expression for a festive occasion or a pleasurable trip is “a good time.”
Hilary Term. In law the sittings of the Courts from 11th to 13th January, so called from the festival of St Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, on the latter date.
Hill Street. See “[Hay Hill].”
Himalaya Mountains. From the Sanskrit hima, snow, and alaya, abode.
Hinde Street. After James Hinde, a speculative builder, who more than a century ago laid out many of the streets now covering what was the estate of Marylebone Park.
Hindustan. Agreeably to the Persian stan, the country traversed by the Hindu or Indus; both terms are derived from the Sanskrit Sindhu, “great river.”