scout / skout/ • n. 1. 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, esp. a small fast aircraft. ∎ short for talent scout. ∎  an instance of gathering information, esp. by reconnoitering an area: a lengthy scout around the area.2. (also Scout) a Boy Scout or Girl Scout.3. inf., dated a man or boy: I've got nothing against Harrison—he's a good scout.• v. [intr.] make a search for someone or something in various places: I was sent to scout around for a place to park the camper we scouted for clues. ∎  (esp. of a soldier) go ahead of a main force so as to gather information about an enemy's position, strength, or movements. ∎  [tr.] explore or examine (a place or area of business) so as to gather information about it: American companies are keen to scout out business opportunities. ∎  look for suitably talented people for recruitment to one's own organization or sports team: Johnson has been scouting for the Pirates.DERIVATIVES: scout·er n.scout² • v. [tr.] rare reject (a proposal or idea) with scorn.

scout1 spy, reconnoitre. XIV. Aphetic — OF. escouter (mod. écouter) listen, alt. of ascolter :- Rom. *ascultāre, for L. auscultāre.
So scout sb. one sent ahead to reconnoitre. XVI. — OF. escoute; earlier in †scout-watch sentinel, spy (XIV), unless this is a comp. of the vb.

scout3 †mock, deride XVII; reject with scorn XVIII. prob. of Scand. orig (cf. ON. skúta, skúti a taunt): if so, the word must have been in colloq. use long before it is recorded.

scout2 flat-bottomed boat. XV. — MDu. schūte (Du. schuit), adopted earlier as schoute (XIV); rel. to ON. skúta light fast vessel.

SCOUT (skaʊt) Commerce Shared Currency Option Under Tender