Dictionary

1bitter end

noun

Definition of BITTER END

:  the last extremity however painful or calamitous
bit·ter–end·er \ˌbi-tər-ˈen-dər\ noun
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Origin of BITTER END

perhaps from 2bitter end
First Known Use: 1827

2bitter end

noun

Definition of BITTER END

:  the inboard end of a ship's anchoring cable

Origin of BITTER END

bitter (a turn of cable around the bitts)
First Known Use: circa 1862

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