coot

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

coot
    n 1: slate-black slow-flying birds somewhat resembling ducks

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Coot \Coot\ (k[=oo]t), 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 ({[OE]demia} 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]