scut

¹

[ skuht ]

noun

1. a short tail, especially that of a hare, rabbit, or deer.

scut

²

[ skuht ]

noun

, Slang.

1. a worthless, contemptible person.

scut

/ skʌt /

noun

1. the short tail of animals such as the deer and rabbit

Word History and Origins

Origin of scut¹

1400–50; late Middle English: hare < Old Norse skutr stern

Origin of scut²

1870–75; origin uncertain; perhaps continuation of Scots and dial. scout, scoot, Middle English scoute in same sense; perhaps noun use of Scots scout to spurt, squirt out, scoot

Word History and Origins

Origin of scut¹

C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse skutr end of a vessel, Icelandic skott tail