The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Scout \Scout\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scouted; p. pr. & vb. n.
   Scouting.]
   1. To observe, watch, or look for, as a scout; to follow for
      the purpose of observation, as a scout.
      [1913 Webster]

            Take more men,
            And scout him round.                  --Beau. & Fl.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To pass over or through, as a scout; to reconnoiter; as,
      to scout a country.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

scouting
    n 1: exploring in order to gain information; "scouting in enemy
         territory is very dangerous" [syn: scouting, exploratory
         survey, reconnoitering, reconnoitring]