half-seas over

[ haf-seez, hahf- ]

adjective

, Slang.

1. drunk; intoxicated; inebriated.

half seas over

adjective

1. informal.
   drunk

Word History and Origins

Origin of half-seas over¹

First recorded in 1545–55

Example Sentences

Now I was never proud of having upset a brawling bully like that when half-seas over, but it had to be done to pay him for striking that poor child.

From Project Gutenberg

Had they told me to take Cæsar the house-dog, or Neptune the Newfoundlander, I should not have so much have minded; but a neger boy! surely my master was half-seas over to think of it.”

From Project Gutenberg

He said he had traveled half-seas over, "on his face," and would now travel the other half on a vessel.

From Project Gutenberg

Garibaldi replied that he had already been half-seas over, but would not object to another cruise.

From Project Gutenberg

The fellow, swaying unsteadily on his feet, and with the air of one half-seas over with drink, knocked again, violently.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• glazed
• stewed