Obs. Forms: 5 fyton, 6 fytten, fitton(e, 6–7 fitten. [Of unknown origin.
The suggestion that it is a corruption of fiction is inadmissible. The form coincides curiously with the corruption of L. python found in various Teut. langs.: ON. fítón, MDu. fytoen necromancy, sorcery].
An untruth, a lie, an invention.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 163/1. Fyton, or lesynge, mendacium.
1530. Palsgr., 220/2. Fytten, mensonge, menterie.
a. 1577. Gascoigne, Fruites of Warre, 24, Wks. (1587), 118.
| Let not dame flatterie in your bosome creepe, | |
| To tell a fittone in your Landlords eares, | |
| And say the ground is his as playne appeares. |
1599. B. Jonson, Cynthia’s Rev., I. iv. I will believe mine own Travels, before all the Lucians of Europe. He doth feed you with fittons, figments, and leasins.
1654. Gataker, Disc. Apol., 69. Others of them may wel be deemed Fittons of his own framing, as [etc.].
1825. J. Britton, Beauties of Wiltsh., III. 373. Fitten. A feint, a pretence.
