Shirk (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Shirked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Shirking.] [Probably the same word as shark. See Shark, v. t.]
1.
To procure by petty fraud and trickery; to obtain by mean solicitation.
You that never heard the call of any vocation, . . . that shirk living from others, but time from Yourselves.
Bp. Rainbow.
2.
To avoid; to escape; to neglect; -- implying unfaithfulness or fraud; as, to shirk duty.
The usual makeshift by which they try to shirk difficulties.
Hare.
© Webster 1913.
Shirk, v. i.
1.
To live by shifts and fraud; to shark.
2.
To evade an obligation; to avoid the performance of duty, as by running away.
One of the cities shirked from the league.
Byron.
© Webster 1913.
Shirk, n.
One who lives by shifts and tricks; one who avoids the performance of duty or labor.
© Webster 1913.