Obs. [Of obscure origin.
The sense agrees with that of OHG. loscên (:—OTeut. *lut-skæ- L. root *lut-: see LOITER v.), which would correspond to an OE. *loscian. For the phonology cf. DUSK a.]
intr. To lie hid; to lie idly or at ease, to indulge laziness; to skulk.
c. 1330. R. Brunne, Chron. (1810), 9. Sibriht þat schrew as a lordan gan lusk, A suynhird smote he to dede vnder a thorn busk.
1532. More, Confut. Tindale, 131. Frere Luther and Cate calate hys nonne lye luskynge togyther in lechery. Ibid. (1533), 2nd Pt. Confut. Tindale, Wks. 526/1. He nothing seeketh, but corners to crepe in, where he may luske and lurke in the darke.
1591. Sylvester, Du Bartas, I. vii. 115. Not that I mean to fain an idle God That lusks in Heay’n and never looks abroad.
1621. T. Williamson, trans. Goulart’s Wise Vieillard, 98. He lies lusking at home.
1662. J. Cotgrave, Wits Interpr. (ed. 2), 311. Nay now you puff, lusk, and draw up your chin.
