Definition of the word kit out

The phrase "kit out" is a British English colloquial expression that originated in the mid-20th century. It derives from the nautical term "kitting out," which referred to the process of outfitting a ship with necessary equipment and supplies prior to setting sail. In its original maritime context, "kitting out" denoted the task of provisioning a ship with equipment, provisions, and materials necessary for its operation, safety, and comfort. This included items like ropes, sails, anchors, food, water, and medical supplies. As British maritime terminology began to seep into everyday language, the term "kitting out" came to be used more broadly to describe the process of furnishing or outfitting any enterprise or individual with the necessary equipment or supplies. Today, we use the term "kit out" to refer to the process of furnishing an apartment, a car, or a team (e.g., a sports team or a military unit) with the necessary equipment, resources, or materials. In short, the phrase "kit out" is a modern idiom derived from nautical terminology, and it continues to be widely used in everyday British English.