rec|on|noi|ter

rec|on|noi|ter «_REHK uh NOY tuhr, _REE kuh-», transitive verb.

1. to approach and examine or observe in order to learn something; make a survey of (the enemy, the enemy's strength or position, a region, or objective) in order to gain information for military purposes: »

Our scouts will reconnoiter the enemy's position before we attack.

2. to survey (a tract or region) for engineering or geological purposes.

–v.i.

to approach a place and make a first survey of it: »

It seemed wise to reconnoiter before entering the town.

╂[< obsolete French reconnoître < Old French reconoistre. See etym. of doublet recognize. (Cf. ↑recognize)]