SCOUT

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.). øQueen's (or King's) Scout a Scout who has reached the highest standard of proficiency. øøscouter n. scouting n. [ME f. OF escouter listen, earlier ascolter ult. f. L auscultare]