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bit3

Syllabification: (bit)
Pronunciation: /bit/
Translate bit | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of bit

noun

  • 1a mouthpiece, typically made of metal, that is attached to a bridle and used to control a horse.
  • 2a tool or piece for boring or drilling, typically of metal:a drill bit
  • the cutting or gripping part of a plane, pliers, or other tool.
  • the part of a key that engages with the lock lever.
  • the copper head of a soldering iron.

verb

[with object]
  • put a bit into the mouth of (a horse).
  • restrain:my own hysteria was bitted by upbringing and respect

Phrases

above the bit

(of a horse) carrying its head too high so that it evades correct contact with the bit.

behind the bit

(of a horse) carrying its head with the chin tucked in so that it evades contact with the bit.

off the bit (or bridle)

(of a horse) ridden on a loose rein to allow it to gallop freely, especially at the end of a race.

on the bit (or bridle)

(of a horse) ridden with a light but firm contact on the mouth, and accepting the bit in a calm and relaxed manner.

take (or get or have) the bit in (or between) one's teeth

begin to tackle a problem or task in a determined or independent way.

Derivatives

bitted

adjective
[in combination]:a double-bitted ax

Origin:

Old English bite 'biting, a bite', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch beet and German Biss, also to bite

bit in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of bit in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words

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