v., shirked, shirk·ing, shirks. v.tr.
To avoid or neglect (a duty or responsibility).
v.intr.
To avoid work or duty.
[Perhaps from German Schurke, scoundrel, akin to Old High German fiurscurgo, demon : fiur, fire + scurigen, to stir up.]
shirker shirk'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
