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Shirk, like the Muslim word for polytheists?



No, like shirk, an English word for the act of being intentionally derelict in one's duty, and derived so far as I know from middle German.


Actually it's more like shirk, originally a nautical term referring to a ship that avoids or evades enemy detection or engagement.


That’s not the modern usage though. If you look up “shirk” in any modern dictionary you’ll definitely find the definition you’re replying to. Perhaps only the OED will have the older nautical meaning.




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