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 ]