high-tone1
/ˌhʌɪˈtəʊn/adjective
1Originally and chiefly US informal. High-class, superior.
2 Phonetics. Uttered at a high pitch.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Epes Sargent (1813–1880). From high + tone.
high-tone2
/ˌhʌɪˈtəʊn/verb
1 [with object] Chiefly US. To bring to a superior or more elevated state; to make high-toned.
2 [with object] US informal. To treat in a superior or condescending manner. Now rare.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in Harriet Lee (1757/8–1851), novelist and playwright. From high + tone.