Word Direct Answers

What does "bit" mean?

Bit: Fig.: Anything which curbs or restrains.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To put a bridle upon; to put the bit in the mouth of.
  2. 3.imp. & p. p. of Bite.
  3. 4.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.
  4. 5.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.
  5. 6.A tool for boring, of various forms and sizes, usually turned by means of a brace or bitstock. See Bitstock.
  6. 7.The part of a key which enters the lock and acts upon the bolt and tumblers. Knight.
  7. 8.The cutting iron of a plane. Knight.
  8. 9.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.
  9. 10.of Bid, for biddeth. [Obs.] Chaucer.

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