high sea—
1. a rough sea marked by high waves:
- The ship has an advanced hullform that provides for outstanding stability and speed in high sea states.
2. the area of sea (away from the coast) that is not under the sovereignty of any state:
- Controversy arose out of demands on the part of different states to assert exclusive dominion over areas of the high sea.
high seas— = high sea 2:
- “This is still a valuable ship,” explained Torrance, “even if she is floating around the high seas on the installment plan.”