Where does “stinkbait” come from?

stinkbait (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.

stinkbait (English): A form of bait composed of malodorous...

Definitions

  1. A form of bait composed of malodorous...

Ancestry of “stinkbait”, step by step

stinkbait 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 stink

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishstinkTo have a strong bad smell; To be greatly...
2Middle EnglishstynkenTo emit a smell or stench; to stink; To be...
3Old Englishstincanto smell; to stink
4Proto-West Germanic*stinkwanto stink
5Proto-Germanicstinkwanąto hit; thrust; clash; to emit a smell; stink
6Proto-Indo-Europeanstengʷ-to push
Every word from Proto-Indo-European bʰey-Every word from Proto-Indo-European bʰeyd-Every word from Proto-Germanic baitō
stinkbait — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer