Bit (&?;), n. [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.
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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.
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Bit,
imp. & p. p. of Bite.
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Bit, n. [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.
⇒ 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.
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Bit,
3d sing. pr. of Bid, for biddeth. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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Bit, n.
In the British West Indies, a fourpenny piece, or groat.
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