Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BAR-COOT, n. Appar. a minion of the law, a court-officer, ? an advocate.Sc. 1827 C. I. Johnstone Eliz. de Bruce III. iv.:
All the bar-coots, and beagles, in Edinburgh, cannot get scent o' her.
[Bar, of a court, + Coot, ? the bird, from the black and white of its plumage, like the dress of a court official or advocate.]
