Skulk

v. i. [imp. & p. p. SKULKED (skŭlkt); p. pr. & vb. n. SKULKING.] [Dan. skulke, to spare or save one's self, to play the truant, O. Sw. skolka, to be at leisure, to shirk, allied to Dan. skule, Sw. skyla, to hide, conceal, Icel. skýla, D. schuilen.] To get out of the way in a sneaking manner; to lurk. “And skulk behind the subterfuge of art.” Prior. “Not such as prate of war, but skulk in peace.” Byron.

n. A number of foxes together; a herd of foxes. Wright.

A person who skulks; one who avoids duty; a lurker; a shirk.