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. See bollard
   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

Finally a very small bird, tsina bitt kaiya patsrk, succeeded in carrying the bear.

From Project Gutenberg

From there they crawled forward over the raised deck, slipping the line, at last, between the two raised ends of the towing bitt.

From Project Gutenberg

But now young Halstead soon had a stout hitch about the towing bitt at the bow.

From Project Gutenberg

And that iryn bitt in mouth betakenis, that he suld refrenȝe his mouth fra bathe euill viciouse speche and euill thouchtis.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Duncan, who had come aboard just before we left the dock, was trying to sit on the weather bitt near the wheel-box.

From Project Gutenberg