FIT  , a word with several meanings . (I) A portion or

division of a poem, a canto, in this sense often spelled " fytte." (2) A sudden but temporary seizure or attack of illness, particularly one with convulsive paroxysms accompanied by unconsciousness, especially an attack of apoplexy or epilepsy, but also applied to a transitory attack of gout, of coughing, fainting, &c., also of an outburst of tears, of merriment or of temper . In a transferred sense, the word is also used of any temporary or irregular periods of action or inaction, and hence in such expressions as " by fits and starts." (3) As an adjective, meaning suitable, proper, becoming, often with the idea of having necessary qualifications for a specific purpose, " a fit and proper person "; and also as prepared for, or in a good condition for, any enterprise . The verb " to fit " is thus used intransitively and transitively, to be adapted for, to suit, particularly to be of the right measurement or shape, of a dress, of parts of a mechanism, &c., and to make or render a thing in such a condition . Hence the word is used as a substantive . The etymology of the word is difficult; the word may be one in origin, or may be a homonymous term, one in sound and spelling but with different origin in each different meaning . In Skeat's Etymological Dictionary (ed . 1898) (I) and (2) are connected and derived from the root of " foot," which appears in Lat. pes, pedis . The evolution of the word is: step, a part of a poem, a struggle, a seizure . (3) A word of Scandinavian origin, with the idea of " knitted together " (cf . Ice. fitja, to knit together, Goth. fetjan, to adorn); the ultimate origin is a Teutonic root meaning to seize (cf . " fetch ") .

The New

English Dictionary suggests that this last root may be the origin of all the words, and that the underlying meaning is junction, meeting; the early use of " fit " (2) is that of conflict . It is also pointed out that the meanings of " fit," suitable, proper, have been modified by " feat," which comes through Fr. fait, from Lat. factum, facere, to do, make .