/bayt"fish'/ , n. , pl. ( esp. collectively ) baitfish , ( esp. referring to two or more kinds or species ) baitfishes .
1. a small fish that is a source of food for a larger fish: Fishermen knew the presence of baitfish meant plenty of bass nearby.
2. Angling. any small fish, as a minnow or shiner, used as bait.
[ BAIT + FISH ]