balk
/bɔːk/
Dictionary
noun
- An uncultivated ridge formed in the open field system, caused by the action of ploughing.
- 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.
- A sudden and obstinate stop; a failure.
- An omission.
- A deceptive motion; a feint.
- 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.
- The rope by which fishing nets are fastened together.
verb
- To pass over or by.
- To omit, miss or overlook by chance.
- To miss intentionally; to avoid.
- To stop, check, block.
- To stop short and refuse to go on.
"The horse balked."
- To refuse suddenly.
- To disappoint; to frustrate.
"to balk expectation"
- To engage in contradiction; to be in opposition.
- To leave or make balks in.
- To leave heaped up; to heap up in piles.
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