Balk n.
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. It is illegal and is penalized by allowing the runners on base to advance one base.
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.