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Added 9 October 2026

balk

/bɔːk/ noun

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about balk at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

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

verb

To be unwilling to do something; to refuse to proceed or do or allow something, either in general or only temporarily.
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
To stop short and refuse to go on or do something (such as jump).
The horse balked.
To move fitfully, stopping frequently.

noun

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

Origin

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”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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