Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1899
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†FITTIN, n.1 The recovery of a woman from childbirth, when she is able to walk again, in combs.: 1. fittin-ale, a drink given to her friends to celebrate the occasion (Abd. 1825 Jam.). Jam.'s explanation that it is to celebrate a baby's beginning to walk is clearly mistaken. Cf. fit-ale, s.v. Fit, n.1, III. 1.; 2. fittin'-feast, a feast given on this occasion.2. Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 188:
On the occasion of a birth there was the Blithe-feast, when the child was born, the Fittin'-feast, when the mother came to the fire and resumed her duties.
