[fit] n [ME, fr. OE fitt; akin to OS fittea division of a poem, OHG fizza skein] (bef. 12c) archaic: a division of a poem or song
[2]fit adj fit.ter ; fit.test [ME; akin to ME fitten] (14c) 1 a (1): adapted to an end or design: suitable by nature or by art (2): adapted to the environment so as to be capable of surviving b: acceptable from a particular viewpoint (as of competence or morality): proper "a movie ~ for the whole family"
2. a: put into a suitable state: made ready "get the house ~ for company" b: being in such a state as to be or seem ready to do or suffer something "fair ~ to cry I was --Bryan MacMahon" "laughing ~ to burst"
3: sound physically and mentally: healthy -- fit.ly adv -- fit to be tied : extremely angry or irritated -- fit to kill : in a striking manner "dressed fit to kill" syn fit, suitable, meet, proper, appropriate, fitting, apt, happy, felicitous mean right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance. fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action "fit for battle". suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands "clothes suitable for camping". meet suggests a just proportioning "meet payment". proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom "proper acknowledgement". appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness "an appropriate gift". fitting implies harmony of mood or tone "a fitting end". apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination "apt quotations". happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate "a happy choice of words". felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful "a felicitous phrase". [3]fit n [ME, fr. OE fitt strife] (ca. 1541) 1 a: a sudden violent attack of a disease (as epilepsy) esp. when marked by convulsions or unconsciousness: paroxysm b: a sudden but transient attack of a physical disturbance
2: a sudden burst or flurry (as of activity) "cleaned the whole house in a ~ of efficiency"
3: an emotional reaction (as in anger or frustration) "has a ~ when I show up late" -- by fits or by fits and starts or in fits and starts : in an impulsive and irregular manner [4]fit vb fit.ted also fit ; fit.ting [ME fitten to marshal troops, fr. or akin to MD vitten to be suitable; akin to OHG fizza skein] vt (15c) 1 a: to be suitable for or to: harmonize with b archaic: to be seemly or proper for "it ~s us then to be as provident as fear may teach us --Shak."
2. a: to conform correctly to the shape or size of "it doesn't ~ me anymore" b (1): to insert or adjust until correctly in place "~ the mechanism into the box" (2): to make or adjust to the right shape and size "fitting the jacket to the customer" (3): to measure for determining the specifications of something to be worn by "fitted him for a new suit" c: to make a place or room for: accommodate
3: to be in agreement or accord with "the theory ~s all the facts"
4. a: to put into a condition of readiness b: to cause to conform to or suit something
5: supply, equip "fitted the ship with new engines"--often used with out
6: to adjust (a smooth curve of a specified type) to a given set of points ~ vi 1 archaic: to be seemly, proper, or suitable
2: to conform to a particular shape or size; also: to be accommodated "will we all ~ into the car?"
3: to be in harmony or accord: belong--often used with in -- fit.ter n [5]fit n (1823): the fact, condition, or manner of fitting or being fitted: as a: the way clothing fits the wearer b: the degree of closeness between surfaces in an assembly of parts c: goodness of fit [6]fit dial past and past part of fight