- Bit
- Bit Bit, n. [OE. bite, AS. bita, fr. b[=i]tan 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.
[1913 Webster]
2. Somewhat; something, but not very great. [1913 Webster]
My young companion was a bit of a poet. --T. Hook. [1913 Webster]
Note: This word is used, also, like jot and whit, to express the smallest degree; as, he is not a bit wiser. [1913 Webster]
3. A tool for boring, of various forms and sizes, usually turned by means of a brace or bitstock. See {Bitstock}. [1913 Webster]
4. The part of a key which enters the lock and acts upon the bolt and tumblers. --Knight. [1913 Webster]
5. The cutting iron of a plane. --Knight. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
