E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bite.
To bite one’s thumb at another. To insult; to provoke to a quarrel.
1
“Gregory. I will frown as I pass by: and let them take it as they list.
“Sampson. Nay, as they dare. I will bite my thumb at them; which is a disgrace to them, if they bear it.”—Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet, i. 1.
To bite the lip, indicative of suppressed chagrin, passion, or annoyance.
2
“She had to bite her lips till the blood came in order to keep down the angry words that would rise in her heart.”—Mrs. Gaskell: Mary Barton, chap. xi.
To bite upon the bridle. To champ the bit, like an impatient or restless horse.
