BIT

The part of a bridle, usually of iron, which is inserted in the mouth of a horse, and having appendages to which the reins are fastened. Shak. The foamy bridle with the bit of gold. Chaucer.

Fig.: Anything which curbs or restrains.

To put a bridle upon; to put the bit in the mouth of.

imp. & p. p. of Bite.

A part of anything, such as may be bitten off or taken into the mouth; a morsel; a bite. Hence: A small piece of anything; a little; a mite.

Somewhat; something, but not very great. My young companion was a bit of a poet. T. Hook.

A tool for boring, of various forms and sizes, usually turned by means of a brace or bitstock. See Bitstock.

The part of a key which enters the lock and acts upon the bolt and tumblers. Knight.

The cutting iron of a plane. Knight.

In the Southern and Southwestern States, a small silver coin (as the real) formerly current; commonly, one worth about 12 1/2 cents; also, the sum of 12 1/2 cents. Bit my bit, piecemeal. Pope.

of Bid, for biddeth. [Obs.] Chaucer.