Meaning

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

Definitions by Sense

1. (agriculture) An uncultivated ridge formed in the open field system, caused by the action of ploughing.
2. (archaeology) The wall of earth at the edge of an excavation.
3. 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".
4. A hindrance or disappointment; a check.
5. A sudden and obstinate stop.
6. (obsolete) An omission.
7. (sports) A deceptive motion.
8. (billiards) 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.

Example Sentences

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

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

Carla balked for a moment, but when the badge and identification was produced, she acquiesced immediately. "Of course, Director, what can I do for you?"

The horse balked.

"Her horse balked at the jump and threw her," said Michael.

I’ve seen cattle that were handled in two identical facilities easily walk through one and balk in the other.

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.

Word Forms

• balks
• baulk
• balking
• balked

Synonyms for balk

Related Words

When Should You Use Balk?

Use balk when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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