take a fit

Instead, a guard at the cathedral first had to climb a steep set of stairs to the attic — a trip Mr. Mouton said would take a “fit” person six minutes.

“You go get a new one right now. Your mama take a fit, she see you. Don’t you tell anybody. I mean it.”

Fifty years on it certainly still achieves that and will take a fit, committed walker two to three weeks to complete.

“Oh, well, we were afraid that he might take a fit some time and get into the street and say strange things.”

With a half wail, half shriek, her knees gave way under her, and she sank on the floor wriggling as if about to take a fit.