Word Direct Answers

What does "height" mean?

Height: 2. The distance to which anything rises above its foot, above that on which in stands, above the earth, or above the level of the sea; altitude; the measure upward from a surface, as the floor or the ground, of animal, especially of a man; stature. Bacon. [Goliath's] height was six cubits and a span. 1 Sam. xvii.

Additional senses

  1. 2.3. Degree of latitude either north or south. [Obs.] Guinea lieth to the north sea, in the same height as Peru to the south. Abp. Abbot.
  2. 3.That which is elevated; an eminence; a hill or mountain; as, Alpine heights. Dryden.
  3. 4.Elevation in excellence of any kind, as in power, learning, arts; also, an advanced degree of social rank; preëminence or distinction in society; prominence. Measure your mind's height by the shade it casts. R. Browning. All would in his power hold, all make his subjects. Chapman.
  4. 5.Progress toward eminence; grade; degree. Social duties are carried to greater heights, and enforced with stronger motives by the principles of our religion. Addison.
  5. 6.Utmost degree in extent; extreme limit of energy or condition; as, the height of a fever, of passion, of madness, of folly; the height of a tempest. My grief was at the height before thou camest. Shak. On height, aloud. [Obs.] [He] spake these same words, all on hight. Chaucer.

Sources