bear bait

English

Noun

bear bait (countable and uncountable, plural bear baits)

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see bear,‎ bait.
2. (slang) A car or truck that is speeding and is likely to attract the attention of the highway patrol.
   • 1976, Evan Herbert, The Best Book on CB, →ISBN, page 33:

     To them, it's good fun to respond to any request for Smokey reports with clean and green, then watch speeding adults become bear bait.

   • 2005, Lee Sweetapple, VETTE HEAD'S NOT DEAD, →ISBN, page 77:

     “Let her be the bear bait in that bright red Mustang Cobra,” Jim said with a grin.

   • 2006, Jerry W. Engler, Just Folks: Earthy Tales of the Prairie Heartland - Volume 1, →ISBN, page 34:

     "Ya haah, there goes our bear bait!" Ricky shouted as he stepped on the throttle to move past 75. "Bear bait?" "Yeah, she'll drive point for us, in case there's any smokies — any patrol — ahead."

3. Alternative form of bearbait
   • 1812, The Literary Panorama - Volume 11, page 295:

     We have, at present, no gaines resembling those of the ancients ; except now and then a bull or a bear bait, and this would be a valuable additon to the list of our refined amusements. “

   • 1886, Cheshire Notes and Queries - Volume 6, page 260:

     There was also a game representing a bear bait.

   • 1994, Michael Billett, A History of English Country Sports, page 26:

     Bear baits were especially popular with the Royals during Christmas holidays and Whitsuntide, the bears and dogs being brought to the Court wherever it might be in the country.

   • 1995, Transactions of Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society:

     Plague was another reason why the authorities were concerned about gatherings such as bear baits. Many bear baits seem to have taken place at alehouses, and attracted large numbers of people.