from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Bait \Bait\ (b[=a]t), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Baited}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Baiting}.] [OE. baiten, beit[=e]n, to feed, harass, fr.
Icel. beita, orig., to cause to bite, fr. b[imac]ta.
[root]87. See {Bite}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. To provoke and harass; esp., to harass or torment for
sport; as, to bait a bear with dogs; to bait a bull.
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2. To give a portion of food and drink to, upon the road; as,
to bait horses. --Holland.
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3. To furnish or cover with bait, as a trap or hook.
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A crooked pin . . . baited with a vile earthworm.
--W. Irving.
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