bitts

BITTS, n. 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, &c.

BITTS, v.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.