whit
n.a very small amount of something. It is almost always used in negative sentences to say that something does not exist at all.
n.the smallest part or particle imaginable; a jot. Almost exclusively used in negative constructions to emphasize a total lack of a quality or feeling.
“He does not have a whit of common sense.”
“The witness showed not a whit of remorse even after the judge read the final verdict to the courtroom.”
“Despite the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, the defendant seemed not to care a whit about the potential consequences of his actions.”
Usually appears in the phrase 'not a whit' or 'without a whit of'.
Shortening of the surname of Dick Whittington, London mayor who funded the rebuilding of the prison.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.