scout

scout

I

scout¹ /skaʊt/ noun [countable]
1.
  a. the Scouts an organization for boys that teaches them practical skills
  b. (also boy scout) a boy who is a member of this organization
2. (also Girl Scout) American English a girl who is a member of an organization for girls that teaches them practical things
   SYN  guide British English
3. a soldier, plane etc that is sent to search the area in front of an army and get information about the enemy:
    He sent three scouts ahead to take a look at the bridge.
4. (also talent scout) 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.

II

scout² verb1. [intransitive] (also scout around/round) to look for something in a particular area
    scout for
    I’m scouting round for a place to stay.
2. [transitive] (also scout out) to examine a place or area in order to get information about it:
    American companies are keen to scout out business opportunities in Vietnam.
3. [intransitive and transitive] to find out about the abilities of sports players, musicians etc in order to employ them