Scout \Scout\ (skout), n. [Icel. sk[=u]ta a small craft or cutter.]

A swift sailing boat. [Obs.]

So we took a scout, very much pleased with the manner and conversation of the passengers. --Pepys.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Scout \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. --Beau. & Fl.

2. To pass over or through, as a scout; to reconnoiter; as, to scout a country.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Scout \Scout\, n. [Icel. sk[=u]ta to jut out. Cf. Scout to reject.]

A projecting rock. [Prov. Eng.]

--Wright.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Scout \Scout\ (skout), v. t. [Icel. sk[=u]ta a taunt; cf. Icel. sk[=u]ta to jut out, skota to shove, skj[=o]ta to shoot, to shove. See Shoot.]

To reject with contempt, as something absurd; to treat with ridicule; to flout; as, to scout an idea or an apology. ``Flout 'em and scout 'em.'' --Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Scout \Scout\, v. i. 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. --Milton.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Scout \Scout\, n. [OF. escoute scout, spy, fr. escouter, escolter, to listen, to hear, F. ['e]couter, fr. L. auscultare, to hear with attention, to listen to. See Auscultation.]

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-arm[`e]d scour, Each quarter, to descry the distant foe. --Milton.

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. (Cricket) A fielder in a game for practice.

4. The act of scouting or reconnoitering. [Colloq.]

While the rat is on the scout. --Cowper.

Syn: Scout, Spy.

Usage: 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Scout \Scout\, n. A boy scout (which see, above).

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)