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bit²

(bĭt)

1. The sharp part of a tool, such as the cutting edge of a knife or axe.

2. A pointed and threaded tool for drilling and boring that is secured in a brace, bitstock, or drill press.

3. The part of a key that enters the lock and engages the bolt and tumblers.

4. The tip of the mouthpiece on a pipe or a cigarette or cigar holder.

5. The metal mouthpiece of a bridle, serving to control, curb, and direct an animal.

6. Something that controls, guides, or curbs.

tr.v. bit·ted, bit·ting, bits

1. To place a bit in the mouth of (a horse, for example).

2. To check or control with or as if with a bit.

3. To make or grind a bit on (a key).

Idiom:

have/take the bit in one's teeth

To be uncontrollable; cast off restraint.

[Middle English bite, from Old English, act of biting; see bheid- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

bit⁴

(bĭt)

Past tense and a past participle of bite.

bitt

(bĭt) Nautical

A vertical post, usually one of a pair, set on the deck of a ship and used to secure ropes or cables.

tr.v. bitt·ed, bitt·ing, bitts

To wind (a cable) around a bitt.

[Perhaps of Dutch or Low German origin; akin to Old Norse biti, crossbeam.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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