scrimshank

[ skrim-shangk ]

verb (used without object)

, British Slang.

1. to avoid one's obligations or share of work, especially in the military; shirk:

   He was unpopular in the squad because he scrimshanked whenever he could.

scrimshank

/ ˈskrɪmˌʃæŋk /

verb

1. slang.
   intr military to shirk work

Other Words From

• scrimshanker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrimshank¹

First recorded in 1885–90; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrimshank¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Now the Pentlands are old John, a rugged figure with a wild red mare and a study smelling of woodsmoke, dogs, apples and whiskey; his wife, a wretched lunatic shut in the mansion's east wing since the birth of her son; Anson Pentland, that son, the scrimshank genealogist; Olivia, the Chicago politician's daughter whom Anson only married to produce the necessary heir; Sybil, their alert daughter, and Jack, the sickly heir, whose funeral is celebrated with fitting Pentland pomp on a stony hill in his sixteenth year.

From Time Magazine Archive