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.
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            You that never heard the call of any vocation, . . .
            that shirk living from others, but time from
            Yourselves.                           --Bp. Rainbow.
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   2. To avoid; to escape; to neglect; -- implying
      unfaithfulness or fraud; as, to shirk duty.
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            The usual makeshift by which they try to shirk
            difficulties.                         --Hare.
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