Tanning. [immediate source doubtful; cf. Sw. beta to tan, G. beiszen to steep in lye, to macerate, also to BAIT v.1 (with which it is cognate).] To steep in bate: see BATE sb.5
1875. Ure, Dict. Arts, III. 89. The liming and bating, or the unhairing and cleansing.
1879. Jamieson, Bait, to steep skins in a ley made of hens’ or pigeons’ dung, for the purpose of reducing them to a proper softness.
