high waters

plural noun

, Slang.

1. trousers short enough to expose the ankles, especially as worn by growing children whom they earlier fit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of high waters¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

Ice in the rivers frequently obstructs navigation, and high waters and bad roads sometimes prevent stages from running regularly.

From Project Gutenberg

From this time on for the next six days it reports a flooding rain every day, and very high waters.

From Project Gutenberg

He reports much rain in October, and several times his life was endangered crossing high waters.

From Project Gutenberg

As had been the Athabasca all the way down, this river was very much discolored and stained by the high waters of the spring.

From Project Gutenberg

High waters occur through the melting of snows and during periods of abundant rain.

From Project Gutenberg