I. ˈbāt adjective
Etymology: probably from F. bête, literally, blockhead, beast (in faire la bête to pass in a card game), from Old French beste beast — more at beast
in certain card games : subject to a penalty for failure to fulfill one's contract ; also : down , beaten
II. noun
( -s )
: failure by the bidder (as in auction pinochle) to fulfill his contract ; also : the penalty for such failure