Écout

Écout is a term primarily used in certain French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, to denote a small, typically sheltered inlet or cove along a body of water. It is often used in geographical contexts to describe a minor indentation in a coastline or the bank of a river or lake. The term carries a sense of a protected or secluded spot, often with calmer waters compared to the main body of water it borders.

The origin of the word "écout" is believed to be derived from the French verb "écouter," meaning "to listen." This etymology suggests the possibility that these inlets were historically areas where one could listen to the sounds of the water more distinctly or perhaps where fishermen would listen for the movements of fish. While not a universally recognized geographical term in standard French, "écout" persists in local dialects and is understood within communities familiar with its usage. It differentiates these smaller features from larger bays or gulfs.

Examples of its use can be found in the naming of small geographical features or in local descriptions of shorelines. The term emphasizes a localized and often intimate relationship with the water's edge, highlighting a specific type of landform that is distinct due to its size and sheltered nature.