Coot (?), n. [Cf. D. koet, W. cwtair; cwta short, bodtailed + iar hen; cf. cwtau ro dock. Cf. Cut.]

1. Zool. (a)

A wading bird with lobate toes, of the genus Fulica.

The common European or bald coot is F. atra (see under bald); the American is F. Americana. (b)

The surf duck or scoter. In the United States all the species of (Edemia are called coots. See Scoter.

"As simple as a coot."

Halliwell.

2.

A stupid fellow; a simpleton; as, a silly coot.

[Colloq.]

 

© Webster 1913.

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