IN ONE’S ALTITUDES, phr. (old).—Generic for high-mindedness. (1) = in lofty mood; (2) = in high spirits; (3) = ‘hoity-toity’; and (4) = drunk (B. E. and GROSE); see SCREWED.
1616. BEAUMONT and FLETCHER, The Laws of Candy, ii. This woman’s IN THE ALTITUDES.
1630. JONSON, The New Inn, i. I have talked … above my share,… and been IN THE ALTITUDES, the extravagants.
1668. DRYDEN, An Evening’s Love, iii. If we Men could but learn to value our selves, we should soon take down our Mistresses from all their ALTITUDES, and make ’em Dance after our Pipes.
1705. VANBRUGH, The Confederacy, v. Clar. ‘Who makes thee cry out thus, poor Brass?’ Brass. ‘Why, your husband, madam; he’s IN HIS ALTITUDES here.’
c. 1733. R. NORTH, Examen, 258. If we would see him IN HIS ALTITUDES, we must go back to the House of Commons … there he cuts and slashes at another rate.
1748. RICHARDSON, Clarissa, I. 252. ‘The girl has got INTO HER ALTITUDES, Aunt Hervey,’ said my sister. ‘You see, Madam, she spares nobody.’
1782. JOHNSON, Letter, 293 (1788), II. 252. While you were IN ALL YOUR ALTITUDES, at the Opera.
1783. BURGOYNE, The Lord of the Manor, ii. 1. Sophia. Sir, I have tried … to treat you with respect; … resentment and contempt are the only——Contrast. Clarissa Harlow IN HER ALTITUDES!
1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. The man is IN HIS ALTITUDES, i.e., he is drunk.
