BALK

balk. Balk, n. a rafter, beam, ridge, disappointment

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Balk (ba̤k), n. [[AS. balca beam, ridge; akin to Icel. bālkr partition, bjālki beam, OS. balko, G. balken; cf. Gael. balc ridge of earth between two furrows. Cf. Balcony, Balk, v. t., 3d Bulk.]] 1. 1. 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. 2. 2. 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. 3. 3. (Mil.) One of the beams connecting the successive supports of a trestle bridge or bateau bridge.
4. 4. A hindrance or disappointment; a check.
A balk to the confidence of the bold undertaker. South. 5. 5. A sudden and obstinate stop; a failure.
6. 6. (Baseball) A deceptive gesture of the pitcher, as if to deliver the ball.
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.