adv., prop. phr. Obs. Forms: 4–5 a-hy, a hyȝe, 4–6 a-hygh(e, ahighe, 6–9 a-high. [A prep.1 of general position, on + HIGH. The full form on high is now alone used.]
1. On high, aloft.
a. 1300. K. Alis., 6236. Roches two So ahygh so any mon myghte seone.
1490. Caxton, Eneydos, xvi. 64. He drewe sowles out of helle and made hem to come vp ahighe.
1594. Shaks., Rich. III., IV. iv. 86. One heaued a-high, to be hurl’d downe below.
1676. Hobbes, Homer, 351. Their chars sometimes are in the air a high And sometimes on the ground.
1823. Hone, Anc. Myst., 235. At the Cross in the ‘Crosschepyng’ were divers angels censing ahigh on the cross.
2. In high or loud tones; aloud. Cf. Fr. en haut, hautement.
1303. R. Brunne, Handl. Synne, 1549. She spake euer vyleyny Among here felaws al ahy.
1489. Caxton, Faytes of Armes, II. vi. 102. He sayd thus al ahighe in audyence.
