What's the meaning of "Took a fit" in this context?
"It's cruel to lock people up and then freeze them", I said. They replied she had on as much as any of the rest, and she would get no more. Just then Miss Mayard took a fit and every patient looked frightened. Miss Neville caught her in her arms and held her, although the nurses roughly said: "Let her fall on the floor and it will teach her a lesson."

Source: 10 days in a mad-house

Question

What's the meaning of "Took a fit" in this context?
"It's cruel to lock people up and then freeze them", I said. They replied she had on as much as any of the rest, and she would get no more. Just then Miss Mayard took a fit and every patient looked frightened. Miss Neville caught her in her arms and held her, although the nurses roughly said: "Let her fall on the floor and it will teach her a lesson."

Source: 10 days in a mad-house

Answer

I actually think in this context, Miss Mayard had an epileptic fit. "A fit" can mean a moment where a person loses control, such as epilepsy or rage.

Answer

This means she started to get angry and threw a fit.  She may have had a scary face as well.

Answer

Many thanks Mathew :)

Answer

a 'fit' in this context means a tantrum or a rage - the nurse got angry and the patients looked frightened. 'took a fit' is not a common expression, you would be far more likely to hear 'had a fit' or 'went into a fit'.

Answers · 4

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