from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Skulk \Skulk\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Skulked}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Skulking}.] [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}.]
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.
[1913 Webster]
Discovered and defeated of your prey,
You skulked behind the fence, and sneaked away.
--Dryden.
[1913 Webster]