Scout /(skout)/

Scout

n.
  1. A swift sailing boat. [Obs.]
    So we took a scout, very much pleased with the manner and conversation of the passengers.

Scout

n.
  1. A projecting rock. [Prov. Eng.]

Scout

v. t.
  1. To reject with contempt, as something absurd; to treat with ridicule; to flout; as, to scout an idea or an apology.

Scout

n.
  1. A person sent out to gain and bring in tidings; especially, one employed in war to gain information of the movements and condition of an enemy.
    Scouts each coast light-armèd scour, Each quarter, to descry the distant foe.
  2. A college student's or undergraduate's servant; -- so called in Oxford, England; at Cambridge called a gyp; and at Dublin, a skip. [Cant]
  3. A fielder in a game for practice. (Cricket)
  4. The act of scouting or reconnoitering. [Colloq.]
    While the rat is on the scout.
  5. A boy scout or girl scout (which see, above).
Syn. -- Scout, Spy.

In a military sense a scout is a soldier who does duty in his proper uniform, however hazardous his adventure. A spy is one who in disguise penetrates the enemies' lines, or lurks near them, to obtain information.

Scout

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Scouted; p. pr. & vb. n. Scouting

  1. To observe, watch, or look for, as a scout; to follow for the purpose of observation, as a scout.
    Take more men, And scout him round.
  2. To pass over or through, as a scout; to reconnoiter; as, to scout a country.

Scout

v. i.
  1. To go on the business of scouting, or watching the motions of an enemy; to act as a scout.
    With obscure wing Scout far and wide into the realm of night.