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scout (v.1)

late 14c., "observe or explore as a scout, travel in search of information," from Old French escouter "to listen, heed" (Modern French écouter), from Latin auscultare "to listen to, give heed to" (see auscultate). Related: Scouted; scouting.

scout (v.2)

"to reject with scorn," 1710, earlier "to mock" (c. 1600), of Scandinavian origin (compare Old Norse skuta, skute "to taunt"), probably from a source related to shout (v.). Related: Scouted; scouting; scoutingly.

scout (n.)

"person who scouts, one sent out to gain information," 1550s, from scout (v.1). Boy Scout is from 1908. Scout's honor attested from 1908.

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Definitions of scout from WordNet
1
scout (n.)
a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event;
Synonyms: lookout / lookout man / sentinel / sentry / watch / spotter / picket
scout (n.)
someone employed to discover and recruit talented persons (especially in the worlds of entertainment or sports);
Synonyms: talent scout
scout (n.)
someone who can find paths through unexplored territory;
Synonyms: pathfinder / guide
2
scout (v.)
explore, often with the goal of finding something or somebody;
Synonyms: reconnoiter / reconnoitre
3
Scout (n.)
a Boy Scout or Girl Scout;
From wordnet.princeton.edu