Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - scout

~1 n 1 a) the scouts an organization for young boys that teaches them practical skills b) also boy scout a boy who is a member of this organization 2 AmE also girl scout a girl who is a member of an organization for girls that teaches them practical skills; guide BrE 3 a soldier, plane etc that is sent to search the area in front of an army, get information about the enemy  (He sent three scouts ahead to take a look at the bridge.) 4 someone whose job is to look for good sports players, musicians etc in order to employ them  (He was spotted by a scout at the age of 13.)  (- see also talent scout) 5 a scout round/around BrE informal a quick search of an area  (I'll have a scout round to see if I can find it.) ~2 v 1 also scout round/around to look for something in a particular area + for  (I want you all to scout round for any wood you can find.) 2 also scout out to examine a place or area in order to get information about it, especially in a military situation  (A group was sent off to scout out the area ahead.) 3 AmE to find out about the abilities of sports players, musicians etc