coot Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun slate-black slow-flying birds somewhat resembling ducks

WordNet

Coot noun
Etymology
Cf. D. koet, W. cwtair; cwta short, bodtailed + iar hen; cf. cwtau ro dock. Cf. Cut.
Definitions
  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 (Edemia are called coots. See Scoter. "As simple as a coot." Halliwell.
  2. A stupid fellow; a simpleton; as, a silly coot. Colloq.

Webster 1913