ˈtoll-bait U.S.
[f. toll v.1 2 + bait n.]
Chopped bait thrown into the water to ‘toll’ or attract fish; throw-bait.
| 1870 Amer. Naturalist IV. 516 The ‘tole-bait’ consists chiefly of Menhaden (Alausa menhaden) ground very fine. 1887 Fisheries of U.S. Sect. v. II. 594 In the old style of mackerel fishing,..clams were chopped up (often with a mixture of menhaden) and sprinkled overboard as ‘toll-bait’ to attract the mackerel to the surface. |