The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Hoot \Hoot\, n.
1. A derisive cry or shout. --Glanvill.
[1913 Webster]
2. The cry of an owl.
[1913 Webster]
3. A very funny event, person, or experience; as, watching
Jack try to catch that greased pig was a hoot.
[PJC]
Hoot owl (Zool.), the barred owl (Syrnium nebulosum). See
Barred owl.
not give a hoot not care at all.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Barred owl \Barred" owl"\ (Zool.)
A large American owl (Syrnium nebulosum); -- so called from
the transverse bars of a dark brown color on the breast.
[1913 Webster]