bitt

[ bit ]

noun

1. Also called bollard. a strong post of wood or iron projecting, usually in pairs, above the deck of a ship, used for securing cables, lines for towing, etc.

verb (used with object)

1. to wrap (a cable) around a bitt to secure it.

bitt

/ bɪt /

noun

1. one of a pair of strong posts on the deck of a ship for securing mooring and other lines
2. another word for bollard

verb

1. tr to secure (a line) by means of a bitt

Word History and Origins

Origin of bitt¹

Middle English, perhaps < Dutch or Low German; compare Dutch, Low German beting, in same sense, akin to Middle High German bizze wooden peg, Old Norse biti crossbeam

Word History and Origins

Origin of bitt¹

C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse biti cross beam, Middle High German bizze wooden peg

Example Sentences

Then he took two turns of the harpoon line around the bitt in the bow and laid his head on his hands.

From Literature

The collection of facts under each story is called a ‘bitt.’

From Newsweek

A bunch of white men chased us up the street and surrounded Dennis and tried to kill him, throwing bottles and bitting and kicking him until one of them made the rest of them stop.

From Literature

Mount a horse without a saddle, but properly bitted, and then decide which is the more natural and easier seat; in one case you feel an appendage; in the other almost part of the horse.

From Project Gutenberg

To put round the bitts; as, to bitt the cable, in order to fasten it or to slacken it gradually, which is called veering away.

From Project Gutenberg