SCOUT

A swift sailing boat. [Obs.] So we took a scout, very much pleased with the manner and conversation of the passengers. Pepys.

A projecting rock. [Prov. Eng.] Wright.

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.

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. Milton.

A college student's or undergraduate's servant; -- so called in Oxford, England; at Cambridge called a gyp; and at Dublin, a skip. [Cant]

A fielder in a game for practice.

The act of scouting or reconnoitering. [Colloq.] While the rat is on the scout. Cowper.

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. Beau. & Fl.

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

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. Milton.