Bait, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Baited; p. pr. & vb. n.Baiting.] [OE. baiten, beitēn, to feed, harass, fr. Icel. beita, orig., to cause to bite, fr. bīta. √87. See Bite.]
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. Holland.
3. To furnish or cover with bait, as a trap or hook.
A crooked pin... baited with a vile earthworm.
W. Irving.