[bite] vb bit ; bit.ten also bit ; bit.ing [ME, fr. OE bitan; akin to OHG bizan to bite, L findere to split] vt (bef. 12c) 1 a: to seize esp. with teeth or jaws so as to enter, grip, or wound b: to wound, pierce, or sting esp. with a fang or a proboscis
2: to cut or pierce with or as if with an edged weapon
3: to cause sharp pain or stinging discomfort to
4: to take hold of
5. archaic: to take in: cheat ~ vi 1: to bite or have the habit of biting something
2. of a weapon or tool: to cut, pierce, or take hold
3: to cause irritation or smarting
4: corrode
5. a of fish: to take a bait b: to respond so as to be caught (as by a trick)
6: to take or maintain a firm hold -- bit.er n -- bite off more than one can chew : to undertake more than one can perform -- bite the bullet : to enter with resignation upon a difficult or distressing course of action -- bite the dust 1: to fall dead esp. in battle
2: to suffer humiliation or defeat -- bite the hand that feeds one : to injure a benefactor maliciously
[2]bite n (15c) 1: the act or manner of biting
2: food: as a: the amount of food taken at a bite: morsel b: a small amount of food: snack 3 archaic a: cheat, trick b: sharper
4: a wound made by biting
5: the hold or grip by which friction is created or purchase is obtained
6: a surface that creates friction or is brought into contact with another for the purpose of obtaining a hold
7. a: a keen incisive quality b: a sharp penetrating effect 8: a single exposure of an etcher's plate to the corrosive action of acid 9: an amount taken usu. in one operation for one purpose: cut