Word Study
coot
CIDE DICTIONARY
coot, n. [Cf. D. koet, W. cwtair; cwta short, bodtailed + iar hen; cf. cwtau to dock. Cf. Cut.].
- A wading bird with lobate toes, of the genus
Fulica . The common European or bald coot isFulica atra (see under bald); the American isFulica Americana Halliwell. [1913 Webster] - A stupid fellow; a simpleton; as, a silly coot. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
coot, n.
1 any black aquatic bird of the genus Fulica, esp. F. atra with the upper mandible extended backwards to form a white plate on the forehead.
2 colloq. a stupid person.
1 any black aquatic bird of the genus Fulica, esp. F. atra with the upper mandible extended backwards to form a white plate on the forehead.
2 colloq. a stupid person.
Etymology
ME, prob. f. LG
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