verb (used without object), noun
- skulk.
verb (used without object)
- to lie or keep in hiding, as for some evil reason: The thief skulked in the shadows.
- to move in a stealthy manner; slink: The panther skulked through the bush.
- British. to shirk duty; malinger.
noun
- a person who skulks.
- a pack or group of foxes.
- Rare. an act or instance of skulking.
verb (intr)
- to move stealthily so as to avoid notice
- to lie in hiding; lurk
- to shirk duty or evade responsibilities; malinger
noun
- a person who skulks
- obsolete a pack of foxes or other animals that creep about stealthily
v.c.1200, from a Scandinavian source, cf. Norwegian skulke “to shirk, malinger,” Danish skulke “to spare oneself, shirk,” Swedish skolka “to shirk, skulk, slink, play truant.” Common in Middle English but lacking in 15c.-16c. records; possibly reborrowed 17c. Related: Skulked; skulking; skulker; skulkery.