[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

fit \fit\, n. as. fit strife, fight; of uncertain origin.
   root 77.
   1. a stroke or blow. obs. or r.
      1913 webster

            curse on that cross, quoth then the sarazin,
            that keeps thy body from the bitter fit. --spenser.
      1913 webster

   2. a sudden and violent attack of a disorder; a stroke of
      disease, as of epilepsy or apoplexy, which produces
      convulsions or unconsciousness; a convulsion; a paroxysm;
      hence, a period of exacerbation of a disease; in general,
      an attack of disease; as, a fit of sickness.
      1913 webster

            and when the fit was on him, i did mark
            how he did shake.                     --shak.
      1913 webster

   3. a mood of any kind which masters or possesses one for a
      time; a temporary, absorbing affection; a paroxysm; as, a
      fit of melancholy, of passion, or of laughter.
      1913 webster

            all fits of pleasure we balanced by an equal degree
            of pain.                              --swift.
      1913 webster

            the english, however, were on this subject prone to
            fits of jealously.                    --macaulay.
      1913 webster

   4. a passing humor; a caprice; a sudden and unusual effort,
      activity, or motion, followed by relaxation or inaction;
      an impulsive and irregular action.
      1913 webster

            the fits of the season.               --shak.
      1913 webster

   5. a darting point; a sudden emission. r.
      1913 webster

            a tongue of light, a fit of flame.    --coleridge.
      1913 webster

   by fits, by fits and starts, by intervals of action and
      repose; impulsively and irregularly; intermittently.
      1913 webster
see also:
by fits by fits and starts 

Fits >> F Words
Fits, definition of term: Fits
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