\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.

\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.

\Shirk\, n.
One who lives by shifts and tricks; one who avoids the
performance of duty or labor.