scout Definition

scout¹
noun

1. military.
A person or group sent out to observe the enemy and bring back information.
Thesaurus: patrol, emissary, escort, lookout, spy, vanguard, advance guard.
2. A member of the Scout Association. See also Venture Scout, Cub Scout, Beaver.

Form: Scout (often)
Form: Boy Scout (formerly)
(US)
3. A member of the Girl Scouts, an organization similar to the Guides.
4. A talent scout.
5. colloq
A search.
Example: They had a scout around for it in the potting shed

verb, intr scouted, scouting

1. To act as a scout.
2. colloq
To make a search.
Example: scouting about for new premises
Thesaurus: explore, investigate, search, reconnoiter, survey, track, watch, check out.
Form: scout about (often)
Form: scout around

Etymology: 14c: from French escouter, from Latin auscultare to listen.

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scout²
verb scouted, scouting

1. To dismiss or reject something or someone with disdain.

Etymology: 17c: from Norse skuta a taunt.