bit

/ˈbit/

Middle English bite, bit "bite of an animal, cutting edge, point, mouthpiece of a bridle," going back to Old English bite "bite of an animal, cut from a weapon," going back to Germanic *biti- (whence Old Saxon biti "bite, sting," Old High German biz [gebiz "mouthpiece of a bridle"], Old Norse bit), noun derivative from the base of *bītan- "to bite"

noun

  1. the biting or cutting edge or part of a tool

  2. a replaceable part of a compound tool that actually performs the function (such as drilling or boring) for which the whole tool is designed

  3. the jaws of tongs or pincers

verb

  1. to put part of a bridle in the mouth of (a horse) : to put a bit in the mouth of (a horse)

  2. to control as if with a bit

  3. to form a bit on (a key)

noun

  1. a small quantity of food; especially : a small delicacy

  2. a small piece or quantity of some material thing

  3. a coin of a specified small denomination