Definitions
1.nounAn uncultivated ridge formed in the open field system, caused by the action of ploughing.
2.nounThe wall of earth at the edge of an excavation.
3.nounBeam, 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.nounA hindrance or disappointment; a check.
5.nounA sudden and obstinate stop; a failure.
6.nounAn omission.
7.nounA deceptive motion; a feint.
8.nounThe 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.
9.nounThe area of the table lying behind the baulk line.
10.nounThe rope by which fishing nets are fastened together.
11.verbTo pass over or by.
12.verbTo omit, miss or overlook by chance.
13.verbTo miss intentionally; to avoid.
14.verbTo stop, check, block.
15.verbTo stop short and refuse to go on."The horse balked."
16.verbTo refuse suddenly.
17.verbTo disappoint; to frustrate."to balk expectation"
18.verbTo engage in contradiction; to be in opposition.
19.verbTo leave or make balks in.
20.verbTo leave heaped up; to heap up in piles.