skulk
verb (used without object)
to lie or keep in hiding, as for some evil reason.
had been skulking
-
past perfect progressiveof skulk.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Fang, who had been skulking in his basket during the burial, now came padding softly across to them and put his heavy head into Harry’s lap as usual.
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
“I need you two as well!” he called to Ron and Hermione, who had been skulking, half concealed, in the doorway of the sitting room.
From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling
In fact, Comrade Ossipon had been skulking for a good two hours in the neighbourhood of Brett Street, unable to make up his mind for a bold move.
From The Secret Agent a Simple Tale by Joseph Conrad
Then he called aloud, summoning any slave who might hear him, and when the doorkeeper came timidly from a recess where he had been skulking, bade him bring water.
From Veranilda by George Gissing
She was wondering how she should explain on the morrow that her lover had been skulking somewhere all day preparatory to decamping altogether, if she failed to prevent him from adopting that disgraceful course.
From A Traitor's Wooing by Headon Hill
