verb (used with object)
- to inspect, observe, or survey (the enemy, the enemy’s strength or position, a region, etc.) in order to gain information for military purposes.
- to examine or survey (a region, area, etc.) for engineering, geological, or other purposes.
verb (used without object)
- to make a reconnaissance.
also reconnoitre, 1707, “make a survey,” from older French reconnoitre (Modern French reconnaĆ®tre), from Old French reconoistre “to identify” (see recognize).