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(), n.[OE. bitt, bite, AS. bite, bite, fr. btan to bite. See Bite, n. & v., and cf. Bit a morsel.] 1. The part of a bridle, usually of iron, which is inserted in the mouth of a horse, and having appendages to which the reins are fastened. Shak. The foamy bridle with the bit of gold. Chaucer. 2. Fig.: Anything which curbs or restrains. Bit v. t.[imp. & p. p.Bitted (); p. pr. & vb. n.Bitting.] To put a bridle upon; to put the bit in the mouth of. Bit imp. & p. p. of Bite. Bit n.[OE. bite, AS. bita, fr. btan to bite; akin to D. beet, G. bissen bit, morsel, Icel. biti. See Bite, v., and cf. Bit part of a bridle.] 1. A part of anything, such as may be bitten off or taken into the mouth; a morsel; a bite. Hence: A small piece of anything; a little; a mite. 2. Somewhat; something, but not very great. My young companion was a bit of a poet. T. Hook. This word is used, also, like jot and whit, to express the smallest degree; as, he is not a bit wiser. 3. A tool for boring, of various forms and sizes, usually turned by means of a brace or bitstock. See Bitstock. 4. The part of a key which enters the lock and acts upon the bolt and tumblers. Knight. 5. The cutting iron of a plane. Knight. 6. In the Southern and Southwestern States, a small silver coin (as the real) formerly current; commonly, one worth about 12 1/2 cents; also, the sum of 12 1/2 cents. Bit my bit, piecemeal. Pope. Bit 3d sing. pr. of Bid, for biddeth. [Obs.] Chaucer. Bit n.In the British West Indies, a fourpenny piece, or groat. スポンサード リンク
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