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 ]

v. i. 1. To live by shifts and fraud; to shark. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To evade an obligation; to avoid the performance of duty, as by running away. [ 1913 Webster ]

One of the cities shirked from the league. Byron. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who lives by shifts and tricks; one who avoids the performance of duty or labor. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who shirks. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Disposed to shirk. [ Colloq. ] [ 1913 Webster ]