Bait (bāt), n. [Icel. beita food, beit pasture, akin to AS. bāt food, Sw. bete. See Bait, v. t.] 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. Fairfax.
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.
Bait bug(Zoöl.), a crustacean of the genus Hippa found burrowing in sandy beaches. See Anomura.