skulk Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner
    lurk.
  2. verb avoid responsibilities and duties, e.g., by pretending to be ill
    malinger.
  3. verb move stealthily
    • The lonely man skulks down the main street all day

WordNet

Skulk intransitive verb
Etymology
Of Scand. origin; cf. Dan. skulke to spare or save one's self, to play the truant, Sw. skolka to be at leisure, to shirk, Icel. skolla. Cf. Scowl.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Skulked ; present participle & verbal noun Skulking
Definitions
  1. To hide, or get out of the way, in a sneaking manner; to lie close, or to move in a furtive way; to lurk. "Want skulks in holes and crevices." W. C. Bryant.
    Discovered and defeated of your prey, You skulked behind the fence, and sneaked away. Dryden.
Skulk noun
Etymology
Cf. Icel. skollr, skolli, a fox, and E. skulk, v.i.
Definitions
  1. A number of foxes together. Wright.
Skulk, Skulk"er noun (Also<
  • Skulk
  • Skulker
)
Definitions
  1. One who, or that which, skulks.

Webster 1913