GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found one definition

  1.       
    
    Coot , n. [Cf. D. koet, W. cwtair; cwta short, bodtailed + iar hen; cf. cwtau to dock. Cf. Cut.]
    1. (Zool.) (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 (Œdemia are called coots. See Scoter. “As simple as a coot.”
      Halliwell.

      1913 Webster
    2. A stupid fellow; a simpleton; as, a silly coot. [Colloq.]
      1913 Webster