Obs. [f. FORE adv. + bit, BITTEN.] = DEVIL’S-BIT 1.
1597. Gerard, Herball, II. ccxxxvii. 587. It is commonly called Morsus Diaboli or Diuels bit, of the root (as it seemeth) that is bitten off. For the superstitious people hold opinion that the diuell for the enuie that he beareth to mankind bit it off, bicause it woulde be otherwise good for many vses: it is called … in French Mors du Diable: in English Diuels bit, and Fore bit.
1611. Cotgr., Mors du diable, the hearbe Forebit, or Diuels bit.
