Where does “groundbait” come from?

groundbait (English) comes from English bait, from Middle English bayte, from Old Norse beita, from Proto-Germanic baitō, from Proto-Indo-European bʰeyd-, from Proto-Indo-European bʰey- — bee.

groundbait (English): Fishing bait that is cast into the water, rather than secured to a hook, in order to attract fish to the fishing area. It is often used in coarse fishing

Definitions

  1. Fishing bait that is cast into the water, rather than secured to a hook, in order to attract fish to the fishing area. It is often used in coarse fishing

Ancestry of “groundbait”, step by step

groundbait traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.

via English bait

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishbaitAny substance, especially food, used in catching...
2Middle EnglishbayteBait or lure; objects used as a bait or lure;...
3Old Norsebeitato graze; to allow, let, make bite; to steer or...
4Proto-GermanicbaitōThat which is or can be bitten; food; bait
5Proto-Indo-Europeanbʰeyd-to split
6Proto-Indo-Europeanbʰey-bee

via English ground

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishgroundThe surface of the Earth, as opposed to the sky...
2Middle Englishgroundground; Earth
3Old Englishgrundground; bottom, foundation; abyss, depths
4Proto-Germanicgrunduzground, foundation
5Proto-Indo-Europeangʰrem-to be angry; to sound, bellow, growl, roar, be...
6Proto-Indo-Europeangʰer-to rub; to stroke; to grind
Every word from Proto-Indo-European bʰey-Every word from Proto-Indo-European bʰeyd-Every word from Proto-Germanic baitō