I. ˈtau̇t, usu -au̇d.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English tuten; akin to Old English tōtian to stick out, protrude, Norwegian tyte to stick out, ooze out, Frisian tūte pipe, spout, snout
intransitive verb
1. : to canvass for customers : solicit patronage : urge with annoying persistence
peeled potatoes … and when otherwise unoccupied touted for custom from the passersby — E.M.Lustgarten
2.
a. chiefly Britain : to spy out the movements of racehorses at their trials or to get by stealth or other improper means the secrets of the stable for betting purposes
b. : to give a tip on a racehorse
transitive verb
1. : to spy on : watch closely
candidates are touted for possible political faux pas
2.
a. Britain : to spy out information about (as a racing stable or horse)
b. : to give a tip on (a racehorse) to a bettor with the expectation of sharing in his winnings
3. : to solicit importunately
supplied the ideas and touted … businessmen for orders — Geoffrey Household
: peddled in an annoyingly persistent manner
the old woman of eighty who touted Paris-Soir … from café and café — Bruce Marshall
II. noun
( -s )
1. : one that touts: as
a. : one who solicits custom
tourists … besieged by touts for tailoring and other establishments — H.R.Lieberman
b. chiefly Britain : one who secretly watches racehorses in training or gets racing information by improper means for betting purposes
c. : one who gives a tip on a racehorse for an expected compensation but especially in hopes of a share in the winnings
2. : the act of touting : lookout , watch
a pickpocket on the tout for a careless stroller
III. ˈtau̇t, ˈtüt transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: origin unknown
Scotland : to tease in a vexing manner
IV. ˈtau̇t noun
( -s )
chiefly Scotland : a slight illness
V. ˈtau̇t also ˈtüt, usu -d.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: alteration (perhaps influenced by tout ) (I) of toot (III)
: to proclaim loudly : overly publicize : ballyhoo
touted as the world's most elaborate suburban shopping development — Wall Street Journal
work is touted as the basic virtue — H.H.Mansfield