v. local. [Of uncertain origin: identity with FIT v. 1 is possible.] To vend and load (coals); to load (a vessel) with coals for transport.

1

1600–1.  Order of Hostmen’s Comp., in Brand, Newcastle, II. 272, note. None shall ‘fitt’ any keell or keells of anie other brother without the consent of the owner thereof. Ibid. (1625), 28 April. To fitt and load coles abord of the keeles.

2

1825.  in Brockett, N. C. Words.

3

  Hence Fitting vbl. sb.; in quot. attrib.

4

1843.  T. Wilson, Pitman’s Pay, etc., 108.

        The Faithers o’ the fittin’ trade,
  The Quayside a’ways pacin’,
Prefarr’d the Sailor on his jade,
  Tiv ony jockey-racin’.

5