high tea

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˌhʌɪ ˈtiː/

• Audio (General Australian):

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high tea (countable and uncountable, plural high teas)

1. (UK, Australia, New Zealand) A late afternoon or early evening meal, typically consisting of a cooked dish with bread and butter and tea. [from 18th c.]
   • 1978, Jane Gardam, God on the Rocks, Abacus, published 2014, page 111:

     It was brawn and shape for high tea.

2. (US) Formal afternoon tea.

• aheight

• hi tea

From English high tea.

high⫽tea (verb-object)

1. (Hong Kong Cantonese) to enjoy afternoon tea (especially a luxurious one)

high tea

1. (Hong Kong Cantonese) luxurious, formal afternoon tea