1. n. & v.
--n.
1. food used to entice a prey, esp. a fish or an animal.
2 an allurement; something intended to tempt or entice.
3 archaic a halt on a journey for refreshment or a rest.
4 BATE.
--v.
1. tr. a harass or annoy (a person). b torment (a chained animal).
2 tr. put bait on (a hook, trap, etc.) to entice a prey.
3 archaic a tr. give food to (horses on a journey). b intr. stop on a journey to take food or a rest.
Etymology: ME f. ON beita hunt or chase 2. var. of BATE.