Middle English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From Old Norse beita, from Proto-Germanic *baitijaną; equivalent to bayte +‎ -en (infinitival suffix).

Pronunciation

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Verb

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bayten

  1. To attack or war with; to bait:
    1. To bait or attack one's prey with a dog.
    2. (rare) To attack one's prey as a dog baiting.
    3. (rare) To tease or inflict anguish; to drive someone to do something.
  2. To supply or provide with food:
    1. To feed an animal or prepare to do so; to feed or water oneself when referring to an animal.
    2. (rare) To dine or consume; to nourish oneself as a human.
    3. (rare, figurative) To metaphorically nourish oneself; to visually stimulate oneself.
  3. (rare) To supply a fishing mechanism with bait.
  4. (rare) To fatten; to prepare so as to be used as meat.
  5. (rare) To chase down with hounds.

Conjugation

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Descendants

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  • English: bait
  • Scots: bait

References

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