balk

An uncultivated ridge formed in the open field system, caused by the action of ploughing.

• How fruitfull are the ſeeming Barren places of Scripture. Bad Plow-men, which make Balkes of ſuch Ground.

The wall of earth at the edge of an excavation.

Beam, crossbeam; squared timber; a tie beam of a house, stretching from wall to wall, especially when laid so as to form a loft, "the balks".

A hindrance or disappointment; a check.

• , "Concealment of Sin" a balk to the confidence of the bold undertaker

A sudden and obstinate stop.

An omission.obsolete

A deceptive motion.; An illegal motion by the pitcher, intended to deceive a runner.

A deceptive motion.; A motion used to deceive the opponent during a serve.

The area of the table lying behind the line from which the cue ball is initially shot, and from which a ball in hand must be played.

The area of the table lying behind the baulk line.

To be unwilling to do something; to refuse to proceed or do or allow something, either in general or only temporarily.

• balked at paying a day's wages for a pencil; he said he would buy her one, but when he saw the price, he balked

To stop short and refuse to go on or do something (such as jump).especially

• The horse balked.

To move fitfully, stopping frequently.

• The horses balked up the canyon, / But we made it with half a load. / Got to the top with panniers. / Went back for the bedding stowed.
• […] balked up the hills, then careened and slid on the downside, threatening to overturn.

To leave or make a balk or balks (ridges) in; to leave a ridge in by leaving partly unploughed.

• But so well halt no man the plough, / That he ne balketh other while
• […] balking up the field.

To stop, check, block (by or as if by an obstacle); to hinder, impede, thwart.

• […] the sturdy cavalier was not to be balked in his purpose; […]

To leave heaped up; to heap up in piles.obsoletepossibly

• Ten thousand bold Scots, two and twenty knights, / Balk'd in their own blood did Sir Walter see.

To pass over or by (either by chance or intentionally); to avoid in passing.obsoletepossibly

• Jericho was in his way from Galilee to Jerusalem: he baulks it not, though it were outwardly cursed.
• I hope you will not balk Totteridge, if I am here.

To pass over or by (either by chance or intentionally); to avoid in passing.; To omit, miss, or overlook by chance, error, or inadvertence.obsoletepossibly

• […] you cannot baulk your Road without the hazard of drowning

To pass over or by (either by chance or intentionally); to avoid in passing.; To miss intentionally; to avoid, ignore, or shun.obsoletepossibly

• I may not balk two pregnant testimonies of the Fathers

To refuse or fail to use (something), either through error or intentionally.; To refuse (something).obsoletepossibly

• And balke your bed for shame.
• A bait you cannot balk Sir.

A small brass ornament fixed at the top of a wand.UKdialectal