[a. Fr. adapte-r, ad. L. adaptā-re, f. ad to + aptā-re to fit; f. apt-us fit; see APT.]
1. To fit (a person or thing to another, to or for a purpose), to suit, or make suitable.
1611. Florio, Addattare, to fit, to adapt, to appropriate [not in ed. 1598].
a. 1616. B. Jonson, Discov., Wks. 1616, II. 128. He is adapted to it by nature.
1636. Healey, Epictetus’ Man., xlii. 65. Adapt the discourses of thy friends unto thine owne as neere as thou canst.
1763. Miller, Gard. Dict., A seminary is a seed-plot, which is adapted or set apart for the sowing of seeds.
1756. Burke, Subl. & B., Wks. I. 182. The senses strongly affected in some one manner, cannot quickly change their tenour, or adapt themselves to other things.
1847. Yeowell, Anc. Brit. Ch., i. 5. To have adapted poetry to the preservation of their historical memorials.
1855. Bain, Senses & Intell., II. ii. § 3 (1864), 209. The structure of the outer ear is adapted to collect and concentrate the vibrations.
2. To alter or modify so as to fit for a new use.
1774. Bryant, Mythol., I. 117. It is called Anchia … it signified either fons speluncæ, or spelunca fontis, according as it was adapted.
1849. Athenæum, 3 Nov., 1113/3. A three-act drama adapted from the French comedy.
1858. Hawthorne, Fr. & It. Jrnls., II. 199. A kind of farm-house, adapted, I suppose, out of the old ruin.
