4 entries under this word
n. [A-S. bæte, gebæte, bitol, gebætel, bit, bætan, to bit, curb, bridle, from bîtan, to bite; D. bit, gebit, Ger. gebisz, from beiszen, to bite.] The iron part of a bridle, which is inserted in the mouth of a horse, and its appendages, to which the reins are fastened.
The needful bits and curbs to headstrong steeds. Shak.
[imp. & p. p. BITTED; p. pr. & vb. n. BITTING.] To put a bridle upon; to put the bit in the mouth of.
imp. & p. p. of bite. Seized or wounded by the teeth.
n. [A-S. bit, bite, bite, morsel, from bîtan, to bite, D. beet, Ger. bissen, bit, morsel, biss, biting, bite, from beiszen, to bite.]
Sense 1. A part of any thing, such as may be bit off or taken in the mouth; a mouthful; a morsel; a bite; hence, a small piece of any thing; a little; a mite.
☞ This word is used, like jot and whit, to express the smallest degree; as, he is not a bit wiser or better.
Sense 2. A small coin of the West Indies, a half pistareen, about ten cents, or five pence sterling; also applied in the Southern States to a silver coin, the eighth of a dollar.
Sense 3. A small instrument, of various forms and sizes, for boring, usually turned by means of a brace.
