Where does “bait” come from?

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

bait (Middle English): Alternative form of bayte

Definitions

  1. Alternative form of bayte

Ancestry of “bait”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Middle EnglishbayteBait or lure; objects used as a bait or lure;...
2Old Norsebeitato graze; to allow, let, make bite; to steer or...
3Proto-GermanicbaitōThat which is or can be bitten; food; bait
4Proto-Indo-Europeanbʰeyd-to split
5Proto-Indo-Europeanbʰey-bee
Every word from Proto-Indo-European bʰey- →Every word from Proto-Indo-European bʰeyd- →Every word from Proto-Germanic baitō →