Balk

Quick meaning: Balk is a noun meaning (agriculture) An uncultivated ridge formed in the open field system, caused by the action of ploughing.

Meaning

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

More Meanings

1. (archaeology) The wall of earth at the edge of an excavation.
2. A hindrance or disappointment; a check.
3. A sudden and obstinate stop.
4. (sports) A deceptive motion.
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. (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.
7. (obsolete) An omission.

Example Sentences

The horse balked.

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

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

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

Word Forms

• balks
• balking
• balked

Synonyms for balk

Depending on context, synonyms include failure, jib, frustrate, foil, baffle, thwart.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include rafter, baulk, jib, resist, flinch, thwart.

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