Kit - Encyclopedia

GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES

KIT (I) (probably an adaptation of the Middle Dutch kitte, a wooden tub, usually with a lid and handles; in modern Dutch kit means a tankard), a tub, basket or pail used for holding milk, butter, eggs, fish and other goods; also applied to similar receptacles for various domestic purposes, or for holding a workman's tools, &c. By transference "kit" came to mean the tools themselves, but more commonly personal effects such as clothing, especially that of a soldier or sailor, the word including the knapsack or other receptacle in which the effects are packed. (2) The name (perhaps a corruption of "cittern" Gr. Kteapa) of a small violin, about 16 in. long, and played with a bow of nearly the same length, much used at one time by dancingmasters. The French name is pochette, the instrument being small enough to go into the pocket.