The Collaborative International Dictionary
Balk \Balk\ (b[add]k), n. [AS. balca beam, ridge; akin to Icel. b[=a]lkr partition, bj[=a]lki beam, OS. balko, G. balken; cf. Gael. balc ridge of earth between two furrows. Cf. Balcony, Balk, v. t., 3d Bulk.]
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A ridge of land left unplowed between furrows, or at the end of a field; a piece missed by the plow slipping aside.
Bad plowmen made balks of such ground.
--Fuller. -
A great beam, rafter, or timber; esp., the tie-beam of a house. The loft above was called ``the balks.''
Tubs hanging in the balks.
--Chaucer. (Mil.) One of the beams connecting the successive supports of a trestle bridge or bateau bridge.
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A hindrance or disappointment; a check.
A balk to the confidence of the bold undertaker.
--South. A sudden and obstinate stop; a failure.
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(Baseball) A deceptive gesture of the pitcher, as if to deliver the ball. It is illegal and is penalized by allowing the runners on base to advance one base.
Balk line (Billiards), a line across a billiard table near one end, marking a limit within which the cue balls are placed in beginning a game; also, a line around the table, parallel to the sides, used in playing a particular game, called the balk line game.
Usage examples of "balk line".
He is permitted, under most state laws, to double as a poll watcher, thus keeping a running record of who has voted for the automobile workers, provided he does no electioneering while inside the balk line.
At the first balk line I stopped and bowed, then again at the second, then at last a deep bow at the third, just before the steps.
He reached the first balk line, where a subject stopped and knelt to the Empress, and kept walking, pressed by an urgency in his mind, pushed forward by his ghosts.