I. ˈskau̇t verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French escuter to listen, from Latin auscultare — more at auscultation
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1. : to explore an area to obtain information (as about an enemy)
2.
a. : to make a search
b. : to work as a talent scout
transitive verb
1. : to observe in order to obtain information or evaluate
2. : to explore in order to obtain information
3. : to find by making a search
II. noun
Date: 1534
1.
a. : one sent to obtain information ; especially : a soldier, ship, or plane sent out in war to reconnoiter
b. : watchman , lookout
c. : talent scout
2.
a. : the act of scouting
b. : a scouting expedition : reconnaissance
3. often capitalized : a member of any of various scouting movements: as
a. : Boy Scout
b. : Girl Scout
4. : individual , person — used chiefly in the phrase good scout
III. verb
Etymology: probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skūti taunt; akin to Old English scēotan to shoot — more at shoot
Date: 1605
transitive verb
1. : mock
2. : to reject scornfully
scout ed his explanation as a shabby falsehood — Mark Twain
intransitive verb
: scoff