Definition of mitt

The word "mitt" originates from the Old Norse language, which was spoken by the Vikings and other Scandinavian communities in the Middle Ages. The Old Norse word "mittr" meant "hand-covering" and referred to a type of glove that was particularly popular in Scandinavia during that time. When the Vikings migrated to England and other parts of Europe, they brought their language and culture with them, including their distinctive hand coverings. The Old English translation of "mittr" was "myTokne," which was a combination of the words "mīth" (hand) and "ōcnan" (container). Over time, the word evolved into "mit" in Middle English, which was used to refer to a type of glove or hand covering. The modern English word "mitt" is derived from the Middle English "mit," which ultimately comes from the Old Norse "mittr." The word has been in use in English since at least the 14th century, with various spellings over the centuries. Today, "mitt" is commonly used to refer to a type of glove that is worn to protect the hands in cold weather or for gripping purposes. It typically has a mitten shape, with no separate opening for the index finger or thumb. The word is also used to refer to the position of shortstop in baseball, which comes from the fact that the shortstop traditionally wears a glove or mitt on his throwing hand. In summary, the word "mitt" originated in Old Norse and has evolved over the centuries to refer to a type of hand covering that provides warmth and protection. Its Scandinavian roots remain evident in its pronunciation and spelling in modern English.