Bit"ten (&?;), p. p. of Bite.
Bit"ten (&?;), a. (Bot.) Terminating abruptly, as if bitten off; premorse.
Bit"ter (&?;), n. [See Bitts.] (Naut.) AA turn of the cable which is round the bitts.
Bitter end, that part of a cable which is abaft the bitts, and so within board, when the ship rides at anchor.
Bit"ter (&?;), a. [AS. biter; akin to Goth. baitrs, Icel. bitr, Dan., Sw., D., & G. bitter, OS. bittar, fr. root of E. bite. See Bite, v. t.] 1. Having a peculiar, acrid, biting taste, like that of wormwood or an infusion of hops; as, a bitter medicine; bitter as aloes.
2. Causing pain or smart; piercing; painful; sharp; severe; as, a bitter cold day.
3. Causing, or fitted to cause, pain or distress to the mind; calamitous; poignant.
It is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God.
Jer. ii. 19.
4. Characterized by sharpness, severity, or cruelty; harsh; stern; virulent; as, bitter reproach.
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Col. iii. 19.