sidle
/ˈsʌɪd(ə)l
/verb [no object, with adverbial of direction]
Walk in a furtive, unobtrusive, or timid manner, especially sideways or obliquely: I sidled up to her...
- Shortly after my wife left for her evening walk, Zachery sidled up to me furtively.
- A furtive local sidled up to me holding a pad and a ballpoint.
- As they rode, Miri's horse sidled sideways nervously away from Amniteri, and Miri tried vainly to rein him in.
Synonyms
creep, sneak, slink, slip, slide, skulk, prowl, steal, edge, inch, ease, worm, nose, move furtively, move with stealth, tread warily
noun [in singular]
An act or instance of sidling somewhere: a sidle into the hallway...
- This album is an interesting mix of symbol and story, solo effort and collaboration, though it continues Dar's gradual sidle towards a more mainstream sound.
Origin
Late 17th century: back-formation from sideling (see sidelong).