Scout (skout), n. [Icel. skUta a small craft or cutter.]
A swift sailing boat. [Obs.]
So we took a scout, very much pleased with the manner and conversation of the passengers.
Pepys.
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Scout, n. [Icel. skUta to jut out. Cf. Scout to reject.]
A projecting rock. [Prov. Eng.] Wright.
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Scout (skout), v. t. [Icel. skUta a taunt; cf. Icel. skUta to jut out, skota to shove, skjOta to shoot, to shove. See Shoot.]
To reject with contempt, as something absurd; to treat with ridicule; to flout; as, to scout an idea or an apology. "Flout 'em and scout 'em." Shak.
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Scout, n. [OF. escoute scout, spy, fr. escouter, escolter, to listen, to hear, F. écouter, fr. L. auscultare, to hear with attention, to listen to. See Auscultation.]
1.
A person sent out to gain and bring in tidings; especially, one employed in war to gain information of the movements and condition of an enemy.
Scouts each coast light-armèd scour,
Each quarter, to descry the distant foe.
Milton.
2.
A college student's or undergraduate's servant; -- so called in Oxford, England; at Cambridge called a gyp; and at Dublin, a skip. [Cant]
3. (Cricket)
A fielder in a game for practice.
4.
The act of scouting or reconnoitering. [Colloq.]
While the rat is on the scout.
Cowper.
Syn. -- Scout, Spy. -- In a military sense a scout is a soldier who does duty in his proper uniform, however hazardous his adventure. A spy is one who in disguise penetrates the enemies' lines, or lurks near them, to obtain information.
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Scout, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scouted; p. pr. & vb. n. Scouting.]
1.
To observe, watch, or look for, as a scout; to follow for the purpose of observation, as a scout.
Take more men,
And scout him round.
Beau. & Fl.
2.
To pass over or through, as a scout; to reconnoiter; as, to scout a country.
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Scout, v. i.
To go on the business of scouting, or watching the motions of an enemy; to act as a scout.
With obscure wing
Scout far and wide into the realm of night.
Milton.
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Scout, n.
A boy scout (which see, above).
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