fitful Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite occurring in spells and often abruptly
    spasmodic.
    • fitful bursts of energy
    • spasmodic rifle fire
  2. adjective satellite intermittently stopping and starting
    interrupted; off-and-on.
    • fitful (or interrupted) sleep
    • off-and-on static

WordNet

Fit"ful adjective
Etymology
From 7th Fit.
Definitions
  1. Full of fits; irregularly variable; impulsive and unstable.
    After life's fitful fever, he sleeps well. Shak.
    -- Fit"ful*ly, adv. -- Fit"ful*ness, n.
    The victorius trumpet peal Dies fitfully away. Macaulay.

Webster 1913