def make_poly(bit_length, msb=False):
    """Make `int` "degree polynomial" in which each bit represents a degree who's coefficient is 1

    :param int bit_length: The amount of bits to play with
    :param bool msb: `True` make only the MSBit 1 and the rest a 0. `False` makes all bits 1.
    """
    if msb:
        return 1 << ((8 * int(bit_length / 8)) - 1)
    result = 0
    for x in range(int(bit_length / 8)):
        result += 0xff << int(x * 8)
    return result