Coot

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Middle English: probably of Dutch or Low German origin and related to Dutch koet .

wiktionary

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From Middle English cote(“coot”). Related to Dutch meerkoet.

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Compare cootie.

etymonline

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coot (n.)

late 14c., cote, used for various diving water fowl (now limited to Fulica atra and, in North America, F. americana), of uncertain origin. Perhaps from an unrecorded Old English word, or perhaps from Low German (compare Dutch meercoet "lake coot"). Meaning "silly person, fool" is attested from 1766.