Category:Bit

Bit, n. Etym: [OE. bitt, bite, AS. bite, bite, fr. bitan 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 Bit, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bitted; p. pr. & vb. n. Bitting.]

Defn: To put a bridle upon; to put the bit in the mouth of.

Bit Bit,

Defn: imp. & p. p. of Bite.

Bit Bit, n. Etym: [OE. bite, AS. bita, fr. bitan 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.

Note: 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 Bit, 3d sing. pr.

Defn: of Bid, for biddeth. [Obs.] Chaucer.

-- ---excerpt from the Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Bit - The curb put into the mouths of horses to restrain them. The Hebrew word (metheg) so rendered in Psalm 32:9 is elsewhere translated "bridle" (2 Kings 19:28; Proverbs 26:3; Isaiah 37:29). Bits were generally made of bronze or iron, but sometimes also of gold or silver. In James 3:3 the Authorized Version translates the Greek word by "bits," but the Revised Version by "bridles."