Main Entry: ¹bilk

Pronunciation: \ˈbilk\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: perhaps alteration of ²balk

Date: 1647

1 : to block the free development of : frustrate <fate bilks their hopes>
2 a : to cheat out of something valuable : defraud b : to evade payment of or to <bilks his creditors>
3 : to slip away from <bilked her pursuers>

— bilk·er noun