tout
noun
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L18856 on Wikidata ↗verb
- to solicit custom for
- to solicit or advertise in strongly positive terms
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /taʊt/ / /tʌʊt/
noun
Etymology: Probably from French tout (“all”).
- In the game of solo, a proposal to win all eight tricks.
verb
Etymology: From Middle English touten (“to jut out, protrude, gaze upon, observe, peer”), from Old English *tūtian (“to be sticking out, protrude”), related to Old English tȳtan (“to stand out, be conspicuous, shine”), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *tut(t)- (“to stick out, project”). Compare Icelandic túta (“a teat-like prominence”), tútna (“to be blown up”). Possibly influenced by dialectal toot (“to stick out; project; peer out; peep”), from Middle English toten, totien, from Old English tōtian (“to peep out; look; pry; spectate”). Compare also Old English tot, ġetot (“pomp, splendour, vainglory”).
- To flaunt, to publicize/publicise; to boast or brag about; to promote.
“Mary has been touted as a potential successor to the current CEO.”
“China has touted its policy of non-interference for decades.”
- To spy out information about (a horse, a racing stable, etc.).
- To give a tip on (a racehorse) to a person, with the expectation of sharing in any winnings.
- To spy out the movements of racehorses at their trials, or to get by stealth or other improper means the secrets of the stable, for betting purposes.
- To act as a tout; to give a tip on a racehorse.
- To look for, try to obtain; used with for.
“To understand the new London, I lived it. I slept rough with Roma beggars and touted for work with Baltic laborers on the kerb.”
- To look upon or watch.
“Nor durst Orcanes view the Soldan's face, / But still upon the floor did pore and tout.”