Scout

Scout (skout), v. t. [Icel. skūta a taunt; cf. Icel. skūta to jut out, skota to shove, skjōta to shoot, to shove. See Shoot.] To reject with contempt, as something absurd; to treat with ridicule; to flout; as, to scout an idea or an apology. "Flout 'em and scout 'em." Shak.

Scout, v. i. 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.

Scout, v. t. [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.

2. To pass over or through, as a scout; to reconnoiter; as, to scout a country.

Scout, n. [OF. escoute scout, spy, fr. escouter, escolter, to listen, to hear, F. écouter, fr. L. auscultare, to hear with attention, to listen to. See Auscultation.] 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.

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. (Cricket) A fielder in a game for practice.

4. The act of scouting or reconnoitering. [Colloq.]

While the rat is on the scout.

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.

Scout, n. A boy scout (which see, above).

Scout, n. [Icel. skūta to jut out. Cf. Scout to reject.] A projecting rock. [Prov. Eng.] Wright.

Scout (skout), n. [Icel. skūta a small craft or cutter.] A swift sailing boat. [Obs.]

So we took a scout, very much pleased with the manner and conversation of the passengers.