Balk

Definitions

1. An uncultivated ridge formed in the open field system, caused by the action of ploughing.
2. A surname.
3. A small brass ornament fixed at the top of a wand.
   UK, dialectal
4. The wall of earth at the edge of an excavation.
5. 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".
6. A hindrance or disappointment; a check.
7. A sudden and obstinate stop.
8. An omission.
   obsolete
9. A deceptive motion.
10. An illegal motion by the pitcher, intended to deceive a runner.
11. A motion used to deceive the opponent during a serve.
12. 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.
13. The area of the table lying behind the baulk line.
14. The rope by which fishing nets are fastened together.

Equivalents

Examples

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

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

CEFR level