1. n. & v.
--n.
1. a person, esp. a soldier, sent out to get information about the enemy's position, strength, etc.
2 the act of seeking (esp. military) information (on the scout).
3 talent-scout.
4 (Scout) a member of the Scout Association, a boys' association intended to develop character esp. by open-air activities.
5 a college servant, esp. at Oxford University.
6 colloq. a person; a fellow.
7 a ship or aircraft designed for reconnoitring, esp. a small fast aircraft.
--v.
1. intr. act as a scout.
2 intr. (foll. by about, around) make a search.
3 tr. (often foll. by out) colloq. explore to get information about (territory etc.).
Phrases and idioms:
Queen's (or King's) Scout a Scout who has reached the highest standard of proficiency.
Derivatives:
scouter n. scouting n.
Etymology: ME f. OF escouter listen, earlier ascolter ult. f. L auscultare 2. v.tr. reject (an idea etc.) with scorn.
Etymology: Scand.: cf. ON sk{uacute}ta, sk{uacute}ti taunt