soot·er·kin \ˈsu̇d.ə(r)kə̇n, ˈsüd.-\noun (-s) Etymology: probably from (assumed) Dutch dialect zoetkijn, diminutive of Dutch dialect zoet soot, from Middle Dutch soet — more at soot 1.: an afterbirth formerly held to be produced by Dutch women < delivered of a sooterkin not unlike to a rat — John Cleveland > 2.: something that is imperfect or unsuccessful; especially: an imperfect literary composition < fruits of dull heat and sooterkins of wit — Alexander Pope > 3.archaic: dutchman