Bait=annoy that man

Bait=annoy that man
 

https://kindle.amazon.com/work/sampl...A1K87YSEK3WD6J

It was his humour this afternoon to bait that ridiculous-looking little man, Hercule Poirot. ‘So even a policeman needs recreation?’ he said. ‘You study the arts in your old age, M. Poirot?’
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My interpretations:

1. bait=annoy that man
2. even a serious person wants some fun occasionally
3. you investigate art, music, theatre, literature, etc. that existed a long time ago, old-fashioned and not popular.

Are my interpretations right?

I believe you got the first two right. My attempts:
1. Torment, especially with malicious remarks (this can certainly annoy a person)
2. Even a policeman needs a break from his otherwise serious job
3. Do you study the arts in your old age (the policeman is old)

Thank you~

So does THE ARTS here mean art, music, theatre, literature, etc?

Yes. :thumbsup:

Thank you.