▪ I. † abait, v. Obs.
Also abate, abeyte.
[f. a- prefix 1 on + bait.]
† 1. To set on (a dog), to hound on, bait.
| 1485 Malory Morte d' Arthur xviii. xxi. (1817) II. 355 This lady the huntresse had abated her dogge for the bowe at a barayne hynde. |
† 2. fig. To excite, stimulate (the appetites).
| 1303 R. Brunne Handlyng Synne 181 Hys flesshe on here was so abeytede, Þat þyke womman he coveytyde. |
▪ II. abait, -ment
obs. forms of abate, -ment.