Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

            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.