[koot] 
| 1. | any aquatic bird of the genus Fulica, as F. americana, of North America, and F. atra, of the Old World, characterized by lobate toes and short wings and tail. |
| 2. | any of various other swimming or diving birds, esp. the scoters. |
| 3. | Informal. a foolish or crotchety person, esp. one who is old. |
| coot (kōōt) n.
[Middle English coote, possibly from Middle Dutch coet.] |
| sco·ter (skō'tər) n. Any of several dark-colored diving ducks of the genera Oidemia and Melanitta, of northern coastal areas. Also called coot. [Origin unknown.] |
