(French, pochette, Russian, poshetta), a stringed musical instrument, usually played with a bow. Length, about 35 cm. The kit originated at the beginning of the 16th century as a three-stringed instrument with a boat-shaped body. Subsequently, a fourth string was added, and the kit was built to resemble a wide variety of instruments, including the viola, the violin, and the guitar. It was tuned in fifths, a fourth higher than the normal pitch of a violin. The kit, which was used chiefly to provide musical accompaniment for dancing lessons, went out of use in the early 19th century.