Skulk
/skʌlk/noun
To move or hide in a furtive, sneaking way, or to avoid work or duty by lingering secretly.
Did you know?Skulk is probably a Scandinavian loanword tied to the idea of lurking or prowling, and it later became a noun for a pack of foxes — perfect for its shady reputation.
Etymological Timeline
Old Norse
ON
skalk
“a servant, knave, or rogue”
Middle English
ME
skulken
“to lurk, sneak, or move furtively”
15th Century
English
skulk
“to keep out of sight, hide, or sneak about”
Modern English
English
skulk
“to move or remain in a secretive, furtive, or sneaking way”