balk
/bɔk/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 2.72 in modern English
10
Scrabble Score
4
Letters
1
Syllables
4
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
An uncultivated ridge formed in the open field system, caused by the action of ploughing.
noun
The wall of earth at the edge of an excavation.
noun
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".
noun
A hindrance or disappointment; a check.
Example Sentences
- "How fruitfull are the ſeeming Barren places of Scripture. Bad Plow-men, which make Balkes of ſuch Ground."
- ", "Concealment of Sin" a balk to the confidence of the bold undertaker"
- "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"
- "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?""
- "The horse balked."
- ""Her horse balked at the jump and threw her," said Michael."
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”).
Origin
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /bɔk/
- British English: /bɔːk/
Usage
- Obsolete
- Intransitive verb
- British usage