Dictionary entry

Shirk

Webster's Dictionary 1913

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.