balk
Cross references:
1. frustrate
1. balk \'bo.k\ n [ME balke, fr. OE balca; akin to OHG balko beam, L
fulcire] to prop, Gk phalanx log, phalanx 1: a ridge of land left unplowed
as a dividing line or through carelessness 2: BEAM, RAFTER 3: HINDRANCE,
CHECK 4a: the space behind the balkline on a billiard table 4b: any of
the outside divisions made by the balklines 5: failure of a player to
complete a motion begun; esp : an illegal motion of the pitcher in
baseball while in position
2. balk vt archaic 1: to pass over or by 2: to check or stop by or as if
by an obstacle : BLOCK 1: to stop short and refuse to go 2: to refuse
abruptly - used with at 3: to commit a balk in sports - balk.er n