Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BAIT, n. [W. abwyd, bwyd; Arm. boet; Ir. abadh; Sw. bete, food; beta, to feed; Sax. batan, to bait; Russ. pitayu; Dan. beder, to rest for refreshment.]

1. Any substance for food, proper to be used or actually used, to catch fish, or other animals, by alluring them to swallow a hook, or to be caught in snares, or in an enclosure or net.
2. A portion of food and drink, or a refreshment taken on a journey.
3. An allurement; enticement; temptation.