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Webster 1913 Edition

Bit

Bit

(bĭt)
,
Noun.
[OE.
bitt
,
bite
, AS.
bite
, bite, fr.
bītan
to bite. See
Bite
,
Noun.
&
Verb.
, 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

,
Verb.
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

,
Noun.
[OE.
bite
, AS.
bita
, fr.
bītan
to bite; akin to D.
beet
, G.
bissen
bit, morsel, Icel.
biti
. See
Bite
,
Verb.
, 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 s
ing.
pr.
of
Bid
, for biddeth.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.

Webster 1828 Edition

Bit

BIT

,
Noun.
The iron part of a bridle which is inserted in the mouth of a horse,and its appendages, to which the reins are fastened. It includes the bit mouth, the branches, the curb, the sevel holes, the tranchefil and cross chains. Bits are of various kinds, as the musrol, snaffle,or watering bit; the canon mouth, jointed in the middle; the canon or fast mouth, all of a piece, kneed in the middle; the scatch-mouth; the masticador,or slavering bit; &c.

BIT

,
Verb.
T.
To put a bridle upon a horse; to put the bit in the mouth.

BIT

, pret. and pp. of bite. Seized or wounded by the teeth.

BIT

,
Noun.
A small piece; a mouthful, or morsel; a bite.
1.
A small piece of any substance.
3.
A small coin of the West Indies, a half pistareen, about ten cents, or five pence sterling.
4.
The point of an auger, or other borer; the bite.
This word is used, like jot and whit, to express the smallest degree; as, he is not a bit wiser or better.

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