Chapter Isopepsin to Itacism of I by Webster's Dictionary (1913 Edition)

In the course of time, the nature of the neuter sign t in it, the form being found in but a few words, became misunderstood. Instead of being looked upon as an affix, it passed for part of the original word. Hence was formed from it the anomalous genitive its, superseding the Saxon his. Latham.

The fruit tree yielding fruit after his (its) kind.

Gen. i. 11.

It is used,

1. As a substance for any noun of the neuter gender; as, here is the book, take it home.

2. As a demonstrative, especially at the beginning of a sentence, pointing to that which is about to be stated, named, or mentioned, or referring to that which apparent or well known; as, I saw it was John.

It is I; be not afraid.

Matt. xiv. 27.

Peter heard that it was the Lord.

John xxi. 7.

Often, in such cases, as a substitute for a sentence or clause; as, it is thought he will come; it is wrong to do this.

3. As an indefinite nominative for a impersonal verb; as, it snows; it rains.

4. As a substitute for such general terms as, the state of affairs, the condition of things, and the like; as, how is it with the sick man?

Think on me when it shall be well with thee.

Gen. xl. 14.

5. As an indefinite object after some intransitive verbs, or after a substantive used humorously as a verb; as, to foot it

The Lacedemonians, at the Straits of Thermopylæ, when their arms failed them, fought it out with nails and teeth.

Dryden.

Whether the charmer sinner it, or saint it,
If folly grows romantic, I must paint it.

Pope.

Its self. See Itself.

Itacism
(I"ta*cism) n. [Cf. F. itacisme. See Etacism, and cf. Iotacism.] (Greek Gram.) Pronunciation of &eta (eta) as the modern Greeks pronounce it, that is, like e in the English word be. This was the pronunciation advocated by Reuchlin and his followers, in opposition to the etacism of Erasmus. See Etacism.

In all such questions between &epsilon and &alpha&iota the confusing element of itacism comes in.

Alford.