Where does the expression sailing the 'high seas' come from?

Question

Are the 'high seas' waters that are not terretorial waters of any specific country, or is it just an expression?

Answer 1

Legally, high seas is the opposite of territorial waters, as you suggested.

The origin of the phrase lies in an obsolete meaning of the word "high." It meant deep as well as high.

"High seas first attested c.1380, with sense (also found in the L. cognate) of "deep" as well as "tall" (cf. also O.Pers. baršan "height, depth")."

Answer 2

Sailing The High Seas

Answer 3

I am ready for the thrill ride of my life....I have my sails set, my engines started, and gung ho to go! Now it is time to 'Kick back' and go! Can I travel anywhere I want to ? Can I let 'Up" live up to it's title? Can I bring my Sweet enhancements with me, and use all my wonderful senses? You know, my songs, wit and emotional warmth, all those parts of myself that give pleasurable escapes? Is this like a the menu of life? Can I cram my senses with fun and make this my most entertaining ride, cuz I don't want to do this with halfway measures? Knowing that I will love myself for this later when I give my all! Edit: Goldberry gave a beautiful answer! Smile!

Answer 4

The High-way is a major road linking important places . The High-Seas was the paths leading to important countries . Both open to major traffic carrying People and Goods.

Answer 5

The terms international waters or trans-boundary waters apply where any of the following types of bodies of water (or their drainage basins) transcend international boundaries: oceans, large marine ecosystems, enclosed or semi-enclosed regional seas and estuaries, rivers, lakes, groundwater systems (aquifers), and wetlands [1].

Oceans and seas, waters outside of national jurisdiction are also referred to as the High Seas or Mare liberum.

Ships sailing the high seas are generally under flag state jurisdiction. In the case of piracy or slave trade, any nation can exercise jurisdiction.