Coot \Coot\ (k[=oo]t), n. [Cf. D. koet, W. cwtair; cwta short, bodtailed + iar hen; cf. cwtau to dock. Cf. {Cut}.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) (a) A wading bird with lobate toes, of the genus {Fulica}. The common European or bald coot is {Fulica atra} (see under {bald}); the American is {Fulica Americana}. (b) The surf duck or scoter. In the United States all the species of ({[OE]demia} are called coots. See {Scoter}. ``As simple as a coot.'' --Halliwell.
2. A stupid fellow; a simpleton; as, a silly coot. [Colloq.]