Coot \Coot\ (k[=oo]t), n. [Cf. D. koet, W. cwtair; cwta short, bodtailed + iar hen; cf. cwtau to dock. Cf. Cut.]

1. (Zo["o]l.)
   (a) A wading bird with lobate toes, of the genus Fulica. The common European or bald coot is F. atra (see under bald); the American is F. Americana.
   (b) The surf duck or scoter. In the United States all the species of ([OE]demia are called coots. See Scoter. ``As simple as a coot.'' --Halliwell.

2. A stupid fellow; a simpleton; as, a silly coot. [Colloq.]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)