baiting

Verb (1)

bait (third-person singular simple present baits, present participle baiting, simple past and past participle baited)

1. (transitive) To attract with bait; to entice.
2. (transitive) To affix bait to a trap or a fishing hook or fishing line.
   • a crooked pin […] baited with a vile earthworm1819 June 23 – 1820 September 13, Geoffrey Crayon [pseudonym; Washington Irving], “(please specify the title)”, in The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., New York, N.Y.: […] C[ornelius] S. Van...
3. (transitive) To lay baits in an environment to control pest species.
4. (transitive) To target a pest species by laying baits.

Verb (2)

bait (third-person singular simple present baits, present participle baiting, simple past and past participle baited)

1. (transitive) To set dogs on (an animal etc.) to bite or worry; to attack with dogs, especially for sport.
   • to bait a bear with dogs
2. (transitive) To intentionally annoy, torment, or threaten by constant rebukes or threats; to harass.
   • I remember once before, a mad woman, from about Alnwick, by name baited me with letters and plans — first for charity for herself or some protégé — I gave my guinea— then she wanted to have half the profits of a novel which I was to publish under my name and auspices.1826 February 11 (date written), Walter Scott, “[Entry dated 11 February 1826]”, in David Douglas, editor, The Journal of Sir Walter Scott […], volume I, Edinburgh: David Douglas, published 1890...

   Synonyms:

   badger, hound, bedevil, beleaguer, persecute, dog, bullyrag, besiege, bug, devil

See all 23 meanings of bait