Note 279 — Chapter XLI

I am doubtful about the etymology of this word, but incline to believe that it is derived from the Quichua word Mita (time or turn), whence come other cognate words. From labourers or soldiers taking their turn at work, it came to mean service generally—hence Mitta-runa (a man required to perform forced service) and Mitta-chanacuy (a law of the Yncas regulating the division of labor).