Word: balk Part of Speech: verb Etymology: From Middle English balke, from Old English balca, either from or influenced by Old Norse bálkr (“partition, ridge of land”), from Proto-Germanic *balkô. Cognate with Dutch balk (“balk”), German Balken (“balk”), Italian balcone (“balcony”). Pronunciation: /bɔːk/, /bɔːlk/, /bɔk/, /bɔlk/, /bɑk/ 1. To be unwilling to do something; to refuse to proceed or do or allow something, either in general or only temporarily. Example: balked at paying a day's wages for a pencil; he said he would buy her one, but when he saw the price, he balked Example: Carla balked for a moment, but when the badge and identification was produced, she acquiesced immediately. "Of course, Director, what can I do for you?" 2. To stop short and refuse to go on or do something (such as jump). Labels: especially Example: The horse balked. Example: "Her horse balked at the jump and threw her," said Michael. 3. To move fitfully, stopping frequently. Example: The horses balked up the canyon, / But we made it with half a load. / Got to the top with panniers. / Went back for the bedding stowed. Example: […] balked up the hills, then careened and slid on the downside, threatening to overturn. 4. To leave or make a balk or balks (ridges) in; to leave a ridge in by leaving partly unploughed. Example: But so well halt no man the plough, / That he ne balketh other while Example: […] balking up the field. 5. To stop, check, block (by or as if by an obstacle); to hinder, impede, thwart. Example: My Sport is always balkt, or cut short — I stumble over the Game me I would pursue — Example: […] the sturdy cavalier was not to be balked in his purpose; […] 6. To leave heaped up; to heap up in piles. Labels: obsolete, possibly Example: Ten thousand bold Scots, two and twenty knights, / Balk'd in their own blood did Sir Walter see. 7. To pass over or by (either by chance or intentionally); to avoid in passing. Labels: obsolete, possibly Example: Jericho was in his way from Galilee to Jerusalem: he baulks it not, though it were outwardly cursed. Example: I hope you will not balk Totteridge, if I am here. 8. To pass over or by (either by chance or intentionally); to avoid in passing. Labels: obsolete, possibly Example: […] you cannot baulk your Road without the hazard of drowning 9. To pass over or by (either by chance or intentionally); to avoid in passing. Labels: obsolete, possibly Example: Sick he is, and keeps his bed, and balks his meat. Example: Nor doth he any creature balk, / But lays on all he meeteth. 10. To refuse or fail to use (something), either through error or intentionally. Labels: obsolete, possibly Example: And balke your bed for shame. Example: A bait you cannot balk Sir. 11. To refuse or fail to use (something), either through error or intentionally. Labels: obsolete, possibly Example: to balk an opportunity Example: This was look'd for at your hand, and this as baulkt. 12. To disappoint, frustrate, or check. Example: to balk expectation Example: Nor doth it balk my charity, to find Th' Egyptian bishop of another mind: 13. To quibble or bandy words with; engage in opposing, contradicting, or arguing with. Labels: obsolete, possibly Example: Her list in strifull termes with him to balke Example: They do not divide and baulk with God. 14. To make a balk, a deceptive motion to deceive another player. Labels: intransitive Example: The best advice you can receive regarding balking is to always maintain poise and composure on the mound.