chit

Where does the word "chit" come from? It comes from Sanskrit citra, passing through Marathi and Hindi before entering English (1776).

Chit’s story begins in Sanskrit: citra meant “something marked or distinct.” Root meaning 'distinctly marked', underlying the later word for a marked note. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Marathi as chitthi. Came to mean a written letter or note. From there it passed into Hindi as chitty by 1690s. Anglo-Indian traders adopted the word for a signed note or pass. It reached English by 1776 as chit. Shortened from 'chitty' in everyday British-Indian use. Today, chit means a short note, memorandum, or signed voucher, especially for a small debt or authorization.

1. Stage 1 · Sanskrit · ancient citra "something marked or distinct", root meaning 'distinctly marked', underlying the later word for a marked note.
2. Stage 2 · Marathi · medieval chitthi "a letter, note, memorandum", came to mean a written letter or note.
3. Stage 3 · Hindi · 1690s chitty "a short letter or note", Anglo-Indian traders adopted the word for a signed note or pass.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1776 chit "a short official note or voucher", shortened from 'chitty' in everyday British-Indian use.