Obs. rare. [Perh. cognate with MHG. vetze, mod.G. fetzen rag, scrap, and ON. fit hem (see FIT sb.1); the vb. (perh. first used in pa. pple.: see next) is formed with frequentative suffix -ER6 common in vbs. expressive of the action of breaking into small pieces.] intr. To break into small fragments.
c. 1380, c. 1450. [? implied in next].
1600. Abp. Abbot, An Exposition upon the Prophet Jonah (1613), 310. When Sampson was disposed, he brake the cordes and ropes wherewith he was tyed; they fittered and dissolued, euen as the flaxe which is burnt with the fire.
