balk

An uncultivated ridge formed in the open field system, caused by the action of ploughing.

How fruitfull are the ſeeming Barren places of Scripture. Bad Plow-men, which make Balkes of ſuch Ground.

The wall of earth at the edge of an excavation.

Beam, crossbeam; squared timber; a tie beam of a house, stretching from wall to wall, especially when laid so as to form a loft, "the balks".

A hindrance or disappointment; a check.

, "Concealment of Sin" a balk to the confidence of the bold undertaker

A sudden and obstinate stop.

To pass over or by.

To omit, miss, or overlook by chance.

To miss intentionally; to avoid.

Sick he is, and keeps his bed, and balks his meat.

Nor doth he any creature balk, / But lays on all he meeteth.

To stop, check, block; to hinder, impede.

Balked for the second time, the passion of his grief had found another outlet, was transformed into a passion of agonized rage.

To stop short and refuse to go on.

The horse balked.

I’ve seen cattle that were handled in two identical facilities easily walk through one and balk in the other.

A small brass ornament fixed at the top of a wand.