| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Half-seas Over. | | |
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Almost up with one. Now applied to a person almost dead drunk. The phrase seems to be a corruption of the Dutch op-zee zober, “over-sea beer,” a strong, heady beverage introduced into Holland from England (Gifford). “Up-zee Freese” is Friezeland beer. The Dutch, half seeunst’s over, more than half-sick. (C. K. Steerman.) | 1 |
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| “I am half-seas o’er to death.” | |
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| “I do not like the dulness of your eye, |
| It hath a heavy cast, ’tis upsee Dutch.” | |
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Ben Jonson: Alchemist, iv. 2. |
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