lit

Definition

simple past and past participle of light (“illuminate; start a fire; etc”)

Etymology

Alteration of earlier light, from Middle English lighte, from Old English līhtte, first and third person singular preterite of līhtan (“to light”), by analogy with bit. More at light; compare fit (“fought”). This form was proscribed during the 18th and 19th centuries, with lighted being preferred, but is now the most common past form of light.

Example Sentences

• "[…] but finally [the bird] came to the tree and, after edging along falteringly, lit on a branch above them."