a soldier or other person sent out ahead of a main force so as to gather information about the enemy's position, strength, or movements

forward scouts reported that the enemy were massing at two points ahead

a scout vehicle

an instance of gathering information, especially by reconnoitring an area

I returned from a lengthy scout round the area

a person that searches for talented performers who can be recruited or promoted, especially in sport and entertainment; a talent scout

Brock slid the ball in from 14 yards to impress watching scouts

a boy or young man who is a member of the Scout Association or a similar organization

a domestic worker at a college at Oxford University

a man or boy

I've got nothing against old Adrian—he's a good scout

make a search for someone or something in various places

I was sent to scout around for a place to park the camper

we scouted for clues

look for suitably talented people for recruitment to an organization or sports team

Butcher has been scouting for United

reject (a proposal or idea) with scorn

he scouts the claim that the aristocrats cared much for the art treasures their ancestors had bought