bitt

[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.
verb (used with object)
2.
to wrap (a cable) around a bitt to secure it.
Origin
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
British Dictionary definitions for bitt

bitt

/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 (sense 1)
verb
3.
(transitive) to secure (a line) by means of a bitt
Word Origin
C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse biti cross beam, Middle High German bizze wooden peg