Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Balk \Balk\, 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. i., 3d {Bulk}.]
   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. 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. (Mil.) One of the beams connecting the successive supports
      of a trestle bridge or bateau bridge.

   4. A hindrance or disappointment; a check.

            A balk to the confidence of the bold undertaker.
                                                  --South.

   5. A sudden and obstinate stop; a failure.

   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.