Scout — Defs

01 n. A swift sailing boat.

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

02 n. A projecting rock.

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

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

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

04 n. 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.

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.” — 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.
A fielder in a game for practice.(Cricket)
4.
The act of scouting or reconnoitering.[Colloq.]
“While the rat is on the scout.” — Cowper.
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.

05 v. t. To observe, watch, or look for, as a scout; to follow for the purpose of observation, as a scout.

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.

06 v. i. To go on the business of scouting, or watching the motions of an enemy; to act as a scout.

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.” — Milton.