Bit
Bit (bit) , noun
[Old English bitt, bite, Anglo-Saxon bite, bite, from bītan to bite. See Bite, n. & v., and compare 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. — Shakespeare
The foamy bridle with the bit of gold.
2.
Figuratively: Anything which curbs or restrains.
Bit , noun
In the British West Indies, a fourpenny piece, or groat.
Bit ({not transcribed}) , transitive verb
To put a bridle upon; to put the bit in the mouth of.
Bit , imperfect and past participle
imp. & past participle of Bite.
Bit , noun
[Old English bite, Anglo-Saxon bita, from bītan to bite; akin to Dutch beet, German bissen bit, morsel, Icelandic biti. See Bite, v., and compare 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.
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 , noun
[binary digit.]
1.
(Information theory, Computers) The smallest unit of information, equivalent to a choice between two alternatives, as yes or no; on or off. See also qubit.
2.
(Computers) The physical representation of a bit of information in a computer memory or a data storage medium. Within a computer circuit a bit may be represented by the state of a current or an electrical charge; in a magnetic storage medium it may be represented by the direction of magnetization; on a punched card or on paper tape it may be represented by the presence or absence of a hole at a particular point on the card or tape.
Collocations (1)
Bit my bit , piecemeal. — Pope
Bit , 3d sing. pr.