BALK

Definitions for the word, balk

(v. i.) A deceptive gesture of the pitcher, as if to deliver the ball.

(v. i.) A great beam, rafter, or timber; esp., the tie-beam of a house. The loft above was called \"the balks.\"

(v. i.) A hindrance or disappointment; a check.

(v. i.) A ridge of land left unplowed between furrows, or at the end of a field; a piece missed by the plow slipping aside.

(v. i.) A sudden and obstinate stop; a failure.

(v. i.) One of the beams connecting the successive supports of a trestle bridge or bateau bridge.

(v. i.) To engage in contradiction; to be in opposition.

(v. i.) To indicate to fishermen, by shouts or signals from shore, the direction taken by the shoals of herring.

(v. i.) To stop abruptly and stand still obstinately; to jib; to stop short; to swerve; as, the horse balks.

(v. t.) To disappoint; to frustrate; to foil; to baffle; to /hwart; as, to balk expectation.

(v. t.) To leave heaped up; to heap up in piles.

(v. t.) To leave or make balks in.

(v. t.) To miss intentionally; to avoid; to shun; to refuse; to let go by; to shirk.

(v. t.) To omit, miss, or overlook by chance.