Coot, n.
(26), n. [D. kŏet, W. cwtior, from cwta, short, bob-tailed, cwt, rump, tail.]
Sense 1. (Ornith.) A water-fowl of the genus Fulica, frequenting lakes and other still waters.
The common coot has a bald forehead, a black body, and lobated toes, and is about fifteen inches in length.
Coot (Fulica atra).
Sense 2. A stupid fellow; a simpleton; as, a silly coot. [Colloq.] “As stupid as a coot.” Halliwell.