skulkers

Noun

skulker (plural skulkers)

1. One who stays where they cannot be seen (often in a cowardly way or with the intent of doing harm).
   • Our men, from their position, can’t see these skulkers, who will have a good chance to pick off some of them at their leisure.1894, William Taylor Adams (as Oliver Optic), Brother Against Brother, or The War on the Border, Boston: Lee and Shepard, Chapter 22, p. 274
2. One who moves in a stealthy or furtive way; one who comes or goes while trying to avoid detection.
   • Afterwards he was again taken by Ethiopian Skulkers, and carry’d away into the Maritime Parts of Ethiopia.1700, George Booth, transl., The Historical Library of Diodorus the Sicilian in Fifteen Books, London: Awnsham and John Churchill, Book 2, Chapter 4, p. 81
3. One who avoids an obligation or responsibility.
   • When we appeared upon deck, the captain bid the doctor, who stood bowing at his right hand, look at these lazy, lubberly sons of bitches, who were good for nothing on board, but to eat the king’s provision, and encourage idleness in the skulkers.1748, Tobias Smollett, chapter 27, in The Adventures of Roderick Random, volume 1, London: J. Osborn, page 248

   Synonyms:

   shirk, shirker, skulk