scout1
n.
- a soldier or other person sent out ahead of a main force so as to gather information about the enemy's position, strength, or movements.
▸a ship or aircraft employed for reconnaissance.
▸an instance of scouting.
-
(also Scout)
a member of the Scout Association.
- a talent scout.
-
(also scout bee)
a honeybee that searches for a new site for a swarm to settle or for a new food source.
- a domestic worker at a college at Oxford University.
- informal, dated a man or boy.
v.
- make a detailed search of a place.
▸explore or examine so as to gather information:
they are keen to scout out business opportunities.
- act as a scout.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from OFr. escouter ‘listen’, earlier ascolter, from L. auscultare.
scout2
v.
archaic reject (a proposal or idea) with scorn.
Etymology
C17: of Scand. origin.