A word used only in the expression to play hooky, to be truant, to run away; -- used mostly of youths absent from school without a valid reason and without the knowledge of their parents. Also (figuratively and jocosely), to be absent from duty for frivolous reasons.

Students who choose not to attend class without an acceptable excuse are said to "play hooky;" Teachers who skip class for non-emergencies are said to be taking "mental health days," while principals who skip school are generally out trying to scrounge up money to replace funds lost by the central administration, are out of town on an expensive junket, or simply decided not to come to work (see Mental Health Day)

failure to attend (especially school)

Full of hooks; pertaining to hooks.