I. ˈlau̇t, usu -au̇d.+V intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English louten, from Old English lūtan; akin to Old Norse lūta to bow down — more at little
1. : to bow in courtesy or respect
I uncovered and louted as I passed — A. Conan Doyle
2. : to bend in submission : yield
have rubbed shoulders with kings and noblemen and louted to none of them — Times Literary Supplement
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: perhaps from Old Norse lūtr bent down, stooped, from lūta to bow down
: an awkward clownish fellow : oaf , yokel
married to some lout of a shopkeeper — Frank O'Connor
see that a few louts don't spoil the fun for everybody — Vancouver (Canada) Province
Synonyms: see boor
III. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to treat as a lout : subject to contumely : deride , scorn
I am louted by a traitor villain — Shakespeare