a. humorous colloq. [app. f. TOP sb.1 + LOFTY a., or f. top loft: see prec.; said in Farmer, Slang, to be of American origin.] Lofty in manner or character; elevated; haughty, ‘high and mighty.’ Hence Toploftiness.
1859. F. Francis, Newton Dogvane (1888), 218. Everything was very toplofty in the landlord and waiters’ parts.
1889. Pall Mall G., 13 July, 6/1. Lord F—— is dignity itself…. There is a ‘toploftiness’ about him which is meant to be very impressive.
1896. Chicago Advance, 25 June, 941/2. The council sermon…. A little top-lofty perhaps for children.
1898. Contemp. Rev., Jan., 17. They were snubbed with rather toplofty denials.
