Bait — Defs

01 n. Any substance, esp. food, used in catching fish, or other animals, by alluring them to a hook, snare, inclosure, or net.

1.
Any substance, esp. food, used in catching fish, or other animals, by alluring them to a hook, snare, inclosure, or net.
2.
Anything which allures; a lure; enticement; temptation.
3.
A portion of food or drink, as a refreshment taken on a journey; also, a stop for rest and refreshment.
4.
A light or hasty luncheon.

Phrases & compounds

Bait bug — a crustacean of the genus Hippa found burrowing in sandy beaches. See Anomura.

02 v. t. To provoke and harass; esp., to harass or torment for sport; as, to bait a bear with dogs; to bait a bull.

imp. & p. p. Baited; p. pr. & vb. n. Baiting

1.
To provoke and harass; esp., to harass or torment for sport; as, to bait a bear with dogs; to bait a bull.
2.
To give a portion of food and drink to, upon the road; as, to bait horses.
3.
To furnish or cover with bait, as a trap or hook.
“A crooked pin . . . baited with a vile earthworm.” — W. Irving.

03 v. i. To stop to take a portion of food and drink for refreshment of one's self or one's beasts, on a journey.

1.
To stop to take a portion of food and drink for refreshment of one's self or one's beasts, on a journey.
“Evil news rides post, while good news baits.” — Milton.

“My lord's coach conveyed me to Bury, and thence baiting at Newmarket.” — Evelyn.

04 v. i. To flap the wings; to flutter as if to fly; or to hover, as a hawk when she stoops to her prey.

1.
To flap the wings; to flutter as if to fly; or to hover, as a hawk when she stoops to her prey.