Meanings
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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.
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2
verb
to search or examine an area in order to obtain information
They scouted the valley before choosing a safe campsite.
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3
noun
a person employed to find talented recruits, especially in sport or entertainment
A football scout watched the young goalkeeper throughout the match.
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4
verb
to reject or dismiss an idea scornfully
Most experts initially scouted the suggestion as impossible.
Thesaurus
Etymology
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.