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.