scout

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a person sent ahead to observe an area or gather information, especially about an enemy

   The patrol sent a scout to inspect the road beyond the ridge.

2. 2
   verb

   to search or examine an area in order to obtain information

   They scouted the valley before choosing a safe campsite.

3. 3
   noun

   a person employed to find talented recruits, especially in sport or entertainment

   A football scout watched the young goalkeeper throughout the match.

4. 4
   verb

   to reject or dismiss an idea scornfully

   Most experts initially scouted the suggestion as impossible.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Scout comes through Old French escouter from Latin auscultare, “to listen.” Its origin suggests that early scouts were understood as gathering information by listening, although the word later came to cover reconnaissance more generally.

The reconnaissance word comes through Middle English and Anglo-French escuter, 'to listen,' from Latin auscultare. The separate verb meaning 'reject scornfully' is probably Scandinavian, akin to Old Norse skuti, 'taunt,' and ultimately to the Germanic family of shoot.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary