Skalks

Part of speech: verb, noun

Definitions

1. An archaic term for a rascal or knave ; to move about stealthily, hiding oneself while lurking nearby
2. A dated word for a scoundrel or cheat ; to slink about secretively and keep out of sight
3. An old-fashioned name for a roguish fellow ; to sneak around quietly, lurking in the shadows

Etymology: "Skalks" is the plural or third-person singular form of "skalk," a rare word, probably borrowed into Scots or northern English from Old Norse "skalkr," meaning "servant." The sense then shifted toward a cunning or roguish person, which the related Dutch and German "schalk" (rogue, jester) preserves. I'm less certain of the exact dates and routes of the English form, so treat these details as provisional.