from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Shirk \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.
[1913 Webster]
You that never heard the call of any vocation, . . .
that shirk living from others, but time from
Yourselves. --Bp. Rainbow.
[1913 Webster]
2. To avoid; to escape; to neglect; -- implying
unfaithfulness or fraud; as, to shirk duty.
[1913 Webster]
The usual makeshift by which they try to shirk
difficulties. --Hare.
[1913 Webster]