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

It must be remembered, however, that a newer school of thought has evidence that Mr. Bab bitt laughs as heartily at his own humbug-Aeries and homilies as does the sophisticate.

From Time Magazine Archive

Bluff Ohioan Bab bitt seemed a mart out of his time.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From "The Old Man and The Sea" by Ernest Hemingway

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 "The Old Man and The Sea" by Ernest Hemingway

Bite is a turn of a cable, and the bitter end is that part of the cable which is wound round the bitt.

From Proverb Lore Many sayings, wise or otherwise, on many subjects, gleaned from many sources by Hulme, F. Edward (Frederick Edward)