bit

I

[[t]bɪt[/t]]

n. v. bit•ted, bit•ting.

1) the mouthpiece of a bridle, having fittings at each end to which the reins are fastened

2) anything that curbs or restrains

3) mac a removable drilling or boring tool for use in a brace, drill press, or the like

4) bui the cutting part of an ax or hatchet

5) mac the wide portion at the end of an ordinary key that moves the bolt

6) to put a bit in the mouth of (a horse)

7) to curb with or as if with a bit

8) to grind a bit on (a key)

•

- chafe take the bit in

Etymology: bef. 900; ME bite, OE: action of biting; c. OHG biz. See bite II

bit

[[t]bɪt[/t]] n.

1) a small piece or quantity of something

2) a short time:

Wait a bit[/ex]

3) a stereotypic set of behaviors, attitudes, or actions associated with a particular role, situation, etc.:

the whole Wall Street bit[/ex]

4) sbz

Also called bit part a very small role containing few or no lines. Compare walk-on 1)

5) inf num Informal. an amount equivalent to 12½ cents (used only in even multiples):

two bits[/ex]

•

- a bit a bit much bit by bit do one's bit every bit quite a bit

Etymology: bef. 1000; ME bite, OE bita bit, morsel; c. OHG bizzo, ON biti. See bite III

bit

[[t]bɪt[/t]] n.

cmp a single, basic unit of computer information, valued at either 0 or 1 to signal binary alternatives

•

Etymology: 1945–50; bi (nary) + (digi) t IV

bit

[[t]bɪt[/t]] v.

pt. and a pp. of bite