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.-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.-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.-the cutting iron of a plane.-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.-3d sing. pr. of bid, for biddeth.-of bite-of bite