v. Obs.; also abate, abeyte. [f. A- pref. 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.
