Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Coot

Coot

(koōt)
,
Noun.
[Cf. D.
koet
, W.
cwtair
;
cwta
short, bodtailed +
iar
hen; cf.
cwtau
to dock. Cf.
Cut
.]
1.
(Zool.)
(a)
A wading bird with lobate toes, of the genus
Fulica
. The common European or bald coot is
Fulica atra
(see under
bald
); the American is
Fulica Americana
.
(b)
The surf duck or scoter. In the United States all the species of (
Œdemia
are called coots. See
Scoter
.
“As simple as a coot.”
Halliwell.
2.
A stupid fellow; a simpleton;
as, a silly
coot
.
[Colloq.]

Webster 1828 Edition

Coot

COOT

,
Noun.
A fowl of the genus Fulica, frequenting lakes and other still waters. The common coot has a bald forehead, a black body, and lobated toes, and is about fifteen inches in length. It makes its nest among rushes, with grass and reeds, floating on the water.

Similar Results