Baits, in a way (6)

I believe the answer is:

taunts

(Other definitions for taunts that I've seen before include "Remarks designed to provoke" , "Mocks, ridicules" , "'Jeers, provokes (6)'" , "Mocks, derides" , "Jeers, mocks" .)

I've seen this clue in The New York Times.

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