Barred owl \Barred" owl"\ (Zo["o]l.) A large American owl ({Syrnium nebulosum}); -- so called from the transverse bars of a dark brown color on the breast. Hoot \Hoot\, n. 1. A derisive cry or shout. --Glanvill. 2. The cry of an owl. {Hoot owl} (Zo["o]l.), the barred owl ({Syrnium nebulosum}). See {Barred owl}.