I. ˈsliŋk verb
( slunk ˈsləŋk ; or chiefly dialect slinked or archaic slank ˈslaŋk ; slunk ; slinking ; slinks )
Etymology: Middle English slinken, from Old English slincan to creep, crawl; akin to Old Swedish slinka to creep, slink, Middle Dutch slinken to sag, Old English slingan to creep — more at sling
intransitive verb
: to go or move stealthily or furtively (as in fear, shame, sneaking) : creep or steal along or away : retire ignominiously
slink behind an enemy
slunk into a corner
transitive verb
1. : to give premature birth to — used especially of a domestic animal
a cow that slinks her calf
2. : to move (as one's eyes) in a slinking manner
Synonyms: see lurk
II. noun
( -s )
1.
a. : the young of an animal brought forth prematurely ; especially : a calf brought forth before its time
b. : the flesh or skin of such a calf
2. chiefly dialect
a. : an underdeveloped or undernourished creature : weakling
b. : a slinking cowardly person : sneak
3. : a stealthy slinking movement or pace
a slink of the eye
III. adjective
Etymology: slink (II)
1.
a. : born prematurely or abortively
a slink calf
b. : derived from a prematurely born animal
slink meat
2. chiefly dialect : starved looking : thin , scrawny