I. ˈbīt, usu -d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English byht; akin to Middle Low German bocht bend, Old Norse ölboga bōt elbow joint; derivative from the stem of Old English būgan to bend, bow — more at bow
1. obsolete : a corner, bend, or angle especially of a body part
2.
a. : the middle part of a slack rope — distinguished from end
b. : a curve or loop especially in a rope, hose, or chain
3.
a. : a bend or curve especially in a river or a mountain chain ; specifically : a bend in a coast forming an open bay
b. : a bay formed by such a bend
the Bight of Benin
the Great Australian bight
4. : the length of a sewing-machine stitch
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to arrange, lay, or fasten (a rope) in bights
2. : to fasten with a bight of rope
bighting the canvas of a sail