n.
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English bita; akin to Old English b ī tan bite
Date: before 12th century
1 : a small quantity of food especially : a small delicacy
2 a : a small piece or quantity of some material thing b (1) : a small coin (2) : a unit of value equal to 1/8 of a dollar
3 : something small or unimportant of its kind: as a : a brief period : WHILE <wait a bit longer> b : an indefinite usually small degree, extent, or amount <a bit of a rascal> <every bit as powerful> c (1) : a small part usually with spoken lines in a theatrical performance (2) : a usually short theatrical routine <a corny comedy bit >
4 : the aggregate of items, situations, or activities appropriate to a given style, genre, or role <rejected the whole bit about love-marriage-motherhood ― Vance Packard>
– a bit : SOMEWHAT , RATHER <the play was a bit dull>
– a bit much : a little more than one wants to endure <finds his constant joking a bit much >
– bit by bit : by degrees : LITTLE BY LITTLE <getting better bit by bit >
– to bits : TOTALLY , THOROUGHLY <thrilled to bits >