subs. (common).—An exemplar, male or female, of what is fashionable in conversation, conduct, or attire; a SWELL (q.v.). Also, a person of spirit. Whence, adj., HIGH-STEPPING (or HIGH-PACING) = conspicuously elegant or gallant in dress, speech, manner, conduct, anything.
1890. A. C. GUNTER, Miss Nobody of Nowhere, p. 103. From her actions and style I’m pretty certain she’s English and a HIGH STEPPER.
