esconce

One of the great benefits of this job is being able to esconce one's self on the couch, pick up a pretty good novel, and read it with a clear conscience.

the return of Returns Miss Snark 2005

_ I myself sometimes having the fear of heaven on the left hand, and hiding mine honour in my necessity, am fain to shuffle, to hedge, and to lurch; and yet you, you rogue, will esconce your _rags_, your cat-a-mountain looks, your red-lattice phrases and your bold-beating oaths, under the shelter of your honour. '

Notes and Queries, Number 51, October 19, 1850 Various