bitt

American  

[bit] / bɪt /

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.

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verb (used with object)

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

bitt British  

/ 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

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of bitt

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

Example Sentences

He had rigged his harpoon long before and its coil of light rope was in a round basket and the end was made fast to the bitt in the bow.

From Literature

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

From Newsweek

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

A special kind of skill is, however, needed in breaking, training, bitting and schooling horses for a game like polo, or for the evolutions of what is known as the haute �cole.

From Project Gutenberg

The tumult ceased, the colt submitted, And, like his ancestors, was bitted.

From Project Gutenberg