E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Absquat’ulate.
To run away or abscond. A comic American word, from ab and squat (to go away from your squatting). A squatting is a tenement taken in some unclaimed part, without purchase or permission. The persons who take up their squatting are termed squatters.
