I. ˈbit noun
Etymology: Middle English bitt, from Old English bite act of biting; akin to Old English bītan bite
Date: 14th century
1.
a.
(1) : the biting or cutting edge or part of a tool
(2) : a replaceable part of a compound tool that actually performs the function (as drilling or boring) for which the whole tool is designed
b. plural : the jaws of tongs or pincers
2. : something bitten or held with the teeth:
a. : the usually steel part of a bridle inserted in the mouth of a horse
b. : the rimmed mouth end on the stem of a pipe or cigar holder
3. : something that curbs or restrains
4. : the part of a key that enters the lock and acts on the bolt and tumblers
[
bit 2a: 1 curb, 2 snaffle
]
II. transitive verb
( bit·ted ; bit·ting )
Date: 1583
1.
a. : to put a bit in the mouth of (a horse)
b. : to control as if with a bit
2. : to form a bit on (a key)
III. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English bita; akin to Old English bītan 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
- a bit much
- bit by bit
- to bits
IV. noun
Etymology: bi nary digi t
Date: 1948
1. : a unit of computer information equivalent to the result of a choice between two alternatives (as yes or no, on or off )
2. : the physical representation of a bit by an electrical pulse, a magnetized spot, or a hole whose presence or absence indicates data