Bit (b&ibreve_;t), n. [OE. bitt, bite, AS. bite, bite, fr. bītan 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.
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The foamy bridle with the bit of gold. Chaucer.
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2. Fig.: Anything which curbs or restrains.
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Bit, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bitted (&unr_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Bitting.] To put a bridle upon; to put the bit in the mouth of.
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Bit, n. [OE. bite, AS. bita, fr. bītan 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.
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2. Somewhat; something, but not very great.
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My young companion was a bit of a poet. T. Hook.
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&hand_; This word is used, also, like jot and whit, to express the smallest degree; as, he is not a bit wiser.
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3. A tool for boring, of various forms and sizes, usually turned by means of a brace or bitstock. See Bitstock.
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4. The part of a key which enters the lock and acts upon the bolt and tumblers. Knight.
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5. The cutting iron of a plane. Knight.
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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.
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Bit, 3d sing. pr. of Bid, for biddeth. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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