Hoot \Hoot\, n. 1. A derisive cry or shout. --Glanvill. [1913 Webster] 2. The cry of an owl. [1913 Webster] 3. A very funny event, person, or experience; as, watching Jack try to catch that greased pig was a hoot. [PJC] {Hoot owl} (Zool.), the barred owl ({Syrnium nebulosum}). See {Barred owl}. {not give a hoot} not care at all. [1913 Webster]
Barred owl \Barred" owl"\ (Zool.) A large American owl ({Syrnium nebulosum}); -- so called from the transverse bars of a dark brown color on the breast. [1913 Webster]