[f. LURK v.]

1

  1.  The action of prowling about. In phrase on the lurk. Cf. LURCH sb.2 2.

2

1829.  Life & Death J. Wilson (Farmer). Like Reynard sneaking on the lurk.

3

  2.  slang. A method of fraud.

4

1851.  Mayhew, Lond. Labour, I. 363. The ‘dead lurk’ … is the expressive slang phrase for the act of entering dwelling-houses during divine service. Ibid. (1861), II. 51. Thus initiated, Chelsea George could ‘go upon any lurk.’

5

1864.  Slang Dict., Lurk, a sham, swindle, or representation of feigned distress.

6

1875.  Brine, in Ribton-Turner, Vagrants & Vagrancy (1887), 642. The ‘bereavement lurk’ is a lucrative one—(i. e.) the pretended loss of a wife [etc.].

7

  3.  dial. A loafer. (E.D.D.) Cf. LURK v. 1 b.

8