Bait /(bāt)/

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.

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.

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.

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

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