Popular name for the Coot (Fulica atra), from its pure white wide frontal plate, destitute of feathers. Used figuratively and contemptuously as = bald…

any of various waterbirds, esp. (a) the Eurasian coot (now rare, English regional (northern), and Scottish); †(b) a cormorant (cf. water raven n.)…

Afterwards restricted in literary use to the Bald Coot (Fulica atra, family Rallidæ), Meer-koet of the Dutch, a web-footed bird inhabiting the…

The northern form of bald-coot, n. Also figurative as term of contempt.

The coot, Fulica atra (with reference to its black colouring). Obsolete. rare.