BITTSn. plu.
[from the same root as bite.] A frame of two strong pieces of timber fixed perpendicularly in the fore part of a ship, on which to fasten the cables, when she rides at anchor. There are also top-sail sheet bitts, paul-bitts, carrick-bitts, etc.
BITTSv.t.
To put round the bitts; as, to bitt the cable, in order to fasten it or to slacken it out gradually, which is called veering away.