balk
From WikiWord, the free dictionary
/bɔːk/
English
Definitions
noun
- 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".
- A hindrance or disappointment; a check.
verb
- To pass over or by.
- To omit, miss or overlook by chance.
- To miss intentionally; to avoid.
- To stop, check, block.
verb
- To indicate to fishermen, by shouts or signals from shore, the direction taken by the shoals of herring.
Related words
Synonyms
avoidrefuseshirkshunbafflefoilfrustratethwartmissoverlookrafterbaulkjibresistflinchretreatbroken fieldland