high tea

noun

, British.

1. a late afternoon or early evening meal similar to a light supper.

high tea

noun

1. See tea

Word History and Origins

Origin of high tea¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Liz talked of traveling the world, shopping for shoes and purses, mother-daughter spa trips for manis, pedis, and massages, and high tea at the ever-so-elegant Huntington Library.

From Time

It is Miss Manners’ understanding that in Scotland, high tea is somewhat closer to afternoon tea in England, but it is still not quite the same thing, because it includes hot food — meat pie, fish, game or such — and hearty baked goods.

From Washington Post

Therefore, high tea includes meat and other hot foods and baked goods.

From Washington Post

We are planning on attending a high tea at Edinburgh Castle.

From Washington Post

The whole village participated in traditional tribal attire, coming together to pray and enjoy a high tea.

From The Daily Beast

She planned for Sunday an automobile ride; she was to hire the car from the Axminister garage, and a high tea afterward.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the maid burst out of the kitchen with a tray and the principal utensils for high tea thereon.

From Project Gutenberg

Of all pernicious customs there is none more to be deprecated than that of high tea, as it is called.

From Project Gutenberg

Late that afternoon he had gratified Nanna by sharing her high tea, and so he was not expected in the dining-room.

From Project Gutenberg

He would sit, after high tea, of which cold fried fish was the prime ingredient, dozing over the Jewish weekly.

From Project Gutenberg