COOT

coot. Coot, n. a genus of black water-fowls

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Coot (ko͞ot), n. [[Cf. D. koet, W. cwtair; cwta short, bodtailed + iar hen; cf. cwtau to dock. Cf. Cut.]] 1. 1. (Zoöl.) (a) A wading bird with lobate toes, of the genus Fulica. The common European or bald coot is F. atra (see under bald); the American is F. 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. 2. A stupid fellow; a simpleton; as, a silly coot.