BAIT

I. verb see: bite Date: 13th century transitive verb 1. to persecute or exasperate with unjust, malicious, or persistent attacks, tease , 2. to harass (as a chained animal) with dogs usually for sport, to attack by biting and tearing, 3. to furnish with ~, entice , lure , to give food and drink to (an animal) especially on the road, intransitive verb to stop for food and rest when traveling, ~er noun Synonyms: see: ~ II. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse beit pasturage & beita food; akin to Old English bītan to bite Date: 14th century 1. something (as food) used in luring especially to a hook or trap, a poisonous material placed where it will be eaten by harmful or objectionable animals, lure , temptation