Etymology Map
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Kit

2 stages from Middle Dutch to English.

Today it means a set of articles or equipment for a purpose

Where does the word "kit" come from? It comes from Middle Dutch kitte, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
kitte
Middle Dutch · medieval
"wooden vessel"
a wooden tub or tankard bound with hoops
2
Stage 2 of 2
kit
English · 1300s
"tub; soldier's gear"
soldiers packed belongings in such a vessel, so the word came to mean their gear
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Read the full story

Kit’s story begins in Middle Dutch: kitte meant “wooden vessel.” A wooden tub or tankard bound with hoops. It reached English by 1300s as kit. Soldiers packed belongings in such a vessel, so the word came to mean their gear. Today, kit means a set of articles or equipment for a purpose.