Careful Words

bit (n.)

bit (v.)

bit (adv.)

bit (adj.)

Mine enemy's dog,

Though he had bit me, should have stood that night

Against my fire.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): King Lear. Act iv. Sc. 7.

As is the bud bit with an envious worm

Ere he can spread his sweet leaves to the air,

Or dedicate his beauty to the sun.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Romeo and Juliet. Act i. Sc. 1.

  If it had been a bear it would have bit you.

Jonathan Swift (1667-1745): Polite Conversation. Dialogue i.