Now rare. [Origin obscure.
Perh. repr. the initial part of Gr. κιθάρα CITHARA, or some derivative form of that word.]
A small fiddle, formerly much used by dancing masters.
1519. Interl. Four Elem., in Hazl., Dodsley, I. 48. This dance would do mich better yet, If we had a kit or taberet.
1562. Phaër, Æneid, IX. Cc iv b. His pastime chief was harpe and kit.
1637. B. Jonson, Sad Sheph., I. ii. Each did dance, some to the kit or crowd, Some to the bag-pipe.
1709. Steele, Tatler, No. 34, ¶ 4. Pray let me see you dance: I play upon the Kit.
1852. Dickens, Bleak Ho., xiv. Prince Turveydrop then tinkled the strings of his kit with his fingers, and the young ladies stood up to dance.
attrib. 1634. W. Cartwright, Ordinary, I. ii. in Hazl., Dodsley, XII. 220. Do you not hear her guts already squeak Like kit-strings?
