Bitter end Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the final extremity (however unpleasant it may be)
    • he was determined to fight to the bitter end
  2. noun (nautical) the inboard end of a line or cable especially the end that is wound around a bitt

WordNet

Definitions
  1. that part of a cable which is abaft the bitts, and so within board, when the ship rides at anchor.

Webster 1913