bates (bat)

t.; pret. and pp. bated, ppr. bat ing. [Prob. a particular use of bate4, properly spelled bait; cf. Sw. beta, tan, bait, = G. beizen, steep in lye, macerate, bait, lit. cause to bite: see bait1.] 1. To steep, as a hide, in an alkaline lye. See bate5, n. 2. In jute - manuf., to separate (the raw material) into layers, and then soften by sprinkling with oil and water. bates (bat), n. [ Yet there the steel stayd not, but inly bate Deepe in his flesh, and opened wide a red floodgate. Spenser, F. Q., II. v. 7.