ˈskau̇t noun
( -s )
Etymology: Dutch, from Middle Dutch schoutete count's or bishop's agent with judicial powers in civil cases; akin to Old English sculthēta bailiff, Old High German sculdheizo magistrate; all from a prehistoric West Germanic compound noun whose first constituent is represented by Old English scyld debt, obligation and whose second constituent is akin to Old English hātan to command — more at shall , hight
1. : a Dutch bailiff or sheriff
2. : a person vested in the former Dutch colonies of America with local judicial functions