BIT (4)

Bit, n. [[OE. bite, AS. bita, fr. bītan to bite; akin to D. beet, G. bissen bit, morsel, Icel. biti. See Bite, v., and cf. Bit part of a bridle.]] 1. 1. 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.
2. 2. Somewhat; something, but not very great.
My young companion was a bit of a poet. T. Hook. ☞ This word is used, also, like jot and whit, to express the smallest degree; as, he is not a bit wiser. 3. 3. A tool for boring, of various forms and sizes, usually turned by means of a brace or bitstock. See Bitstock.
4. 4. The part of a key which enters the lock and acts upon the bolt and tumblers. Knight.
5. 5. The cutting iron of a plane. Knight.
6. 6. 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.
Bit my bit, piecemeal. Pope.