to funk out

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.To emit an offensive smell; to stink. [1913 Webster]

2.To be frightened, and shrink back; to flinch; as, to funk at the edge of a precipice. [Colloq.] --C. Kingsley. [1913 Webster]

To funk out, to back out in a cowardly fashion. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]

To funk right out o' political strife.— Lowell (Biglow Papers). Funk