To move stealthily or lurk about, often with intent to steal or scavenge. An archaic or dialect variant of 'mooch'.
Possibly from Old French 'muchier' meaning to hide or lurk, or related to 'mouche' (fly), suggesting someone who buzzes around looking for opportunities. The word has been used in English since the 15th century.
This wonderfully onomatopoetic word captures the sneaky, almost insect-like quality of someone skulking about looking for freebies or opportunities. Though largely replaced by 'mooch,' it survives in some dialects and adds a more sinister undertone than its modern cousin.
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