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.

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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.”

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

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

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

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Related Words

• glazed 
• stewed