subs. (common).—Generic for height: e.g., (1) a very tall man; (2) a very lofty building: spec. (American) erections sometimes twenty stories high; (3) a triangular sail set above the royals, a sky-sail, SKY-GAZER, or ANGEL’S FOOTSTOOL (q.v.); and (4) a SKIED ball. Hence SKYSCRAPING and other derivatives.

1

  1815.  SCOTT, Guy Mannering, v. Run out the boltsprit, up mainsail, top and top gallant sails, royals, and SKYSCRAPERS, and away—follow who can!

2

  1893.  MILLIKEN, ’Arry Ballads, 48, ‘At the Paris Exhibition.’ It’s a bloominger SKY-SCRAPING Topper.

3

  1902.  Free Lance, 19 July, 364, 1. Unsightly blocks of SKY-SCRAPING buildings; vulgar self-advertisement, loudness, and beef Trusts, bluff and billionaires.

4

  5.  (old nautical).—A cocked hat.

5

  6.  (venery).—The penis: see PRICK and cf. HEAVEN = female pudendum.

6