close-fitting

The compound adjective 'close-fitting' is a transparent combination of two English elements. The first element, 'close', carries its sense of "tight, with no intervening space," which evolved from its core meaning of "shut" or "enclosed." The second element, 'fitting', is derived from the verb 'fit', meaning to be the correct size and shape for something. When combined, the term literally describes garments that fit the body tightly, with minimal loose fabric, emphasizing a snug and precise contour. This logical construction directly reflects the modern meaning, where the "closeness" refers to the absence of gaps, and "fitting" specifies the application to garments and form.

Structure: close (tight) + fitting (to fit) - close: From Middle English 'clos', from Old French 'clos' (enclosed, tight), from Latin 'clausus' (shut, closed). In this compound, it functions as an adverb/adjective meaning "tightly, with no gap." - fitting: From the verb 'fit', of uncertain origin, possibly from Middle English 'fitten' (to be suitable). The '-ing' suffix forms the present participle/adjective, indicating the action or state of fitting.