scout1

noun

• 1a soldier or other person sent out ahead of a main force so as to gather information about the enemy’s position, strength, or movements: forward scouts reported that the enemy were massing at two points ahead [as modifier]:a scout vehicle
• [usually in singular] an instance of gathering information, especially by reconnoitring an area:I returned from a lengthy scout round the area
• a ship or aircraft employed for reconnaissance, especially a small, fast aircraft: a single-seater scout

• 2short for talent scout.Brock slid the ball in from 14 yards to impress watching scouts

• 3 (also Scout) a member of the Scout Association or a similar organization: [as modifier]:a scout leader

• 4 (also scout bee) a honeybee that searches for a new site for a swarm to settle or for a new food source.

• 5a domestic worker at a college at Oxford University.

• 6 informal, dated a man or boy:I’ve got nothing against old Adrian—he’s a good scout

verb

• make a search for someone or something in various places:I was sent to scout around for a place to park the camper we scouted for clues
• (especially of a soldier) go ahead of a main force so as to gather information about an enemy’s position, strength, or movements: outriders went scouting for small settlements to loot
• [with object] explore or examine (a place or area of business) so as to gather information about it:American companies are keen to scout out business opportunities
• look for suitably talented people for recruitment to one’s own organization or sports team:Butcher has been scouting for United