added by archaeologs A metal mouthpiece attached to a bridle, used to control a horse. The domesticated horse was probably first controlled with a simple halter. The bit consists of a bit-mouth and adjacent parts to which the reins are attached. Bits with cheekpieces of antler did not appear in central Europe until after 1800 bc and they were later replaced by bronze bits. Bits without a cheek-piece, in two- or three-piece form, were introduced in the Iron Age.
Dictionary of Artifacts, Barbara Ann Kipfer, 2007