An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Something edible placed on a hook or in a trap
to attract fish or other animals as prey.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.Norse beita “food,” O.E. bat “food,” literally “to cause to bite.”

Etymology (PE): Cašté “bait,” related to câšni “taste,” cašidan, caš- “to taste,” câšt “breakfast;” Mid.Pers. câšt “meal,” câšnig “taste;” cf. Skt. cas- “to eat;” Proto-Ir. caš- “to eat, to drink; to drip.”