Main Entry: ¹balk

Pronunciation: \ˈbȯk sometimes ˈbȯlk\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English balke, from Old English balca; akin to Old High German balko beam, Latin fulcire to prop, Greek phalanx log, phalanx

Date: before 12th century

1 : a ridge of land left unplowed as a dividing line or through carelessness
2 : beam, rafter
3 : hindrance, check
4 a : the space behind the balkline on a billiard table b : any of the outside divisions made by the balklines
5 : failure of a player to complete a motion; especially : an illegal motion of the pitcher in baseball while in position