haut ton

English

Etymology

From French.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /əʊˈtɒn/

Noun

haut ton (uncountable)

1. High fashion; fashionability.
   • 1835, Edgar Allan Poe, King Pest:

     An air of extreme haut ton, however, pervaded her whole appearance […]

   • 1837, James Fenimore Cooper, Gleanings in Europe: England:

     In the great houses, servants out of livery help to the different plats, servants in livery holding the dishes, sauces, etc., and changing the plates. I believe it is strictly haut ton for the servants in livery to do nothing but assist those out of livery.