One of the mysteries of the English language finally explained.
noun
historicalA supporter of (the policies of) William Pitt ‘the Elder’, or his son, William Pitt ‘the Younger’.
adjective
historicalOf or relating to (the policies of) William Pitt ‘the Elder’, or his son William Pitt ‘the Younger’.
Origin
Mid 18th century. Either from the name of William Pitt ‘the Elder’, British politician and prime minister, or from the name of William Pitt ‘the Younger’, British politician and prime minister + -ite.
Pronunciation
Pittite
/ˈpɪtʌɪt/noun
rareA spectator who occupies a place in the pit of a theatre.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in James Beresford (1764–1840), writer. From pit + -ite, probably originally with humorous allusion to Pittite.