balk

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the area on a billiard table behind the balkline
  2. noun something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
  3. noun one of several parallel sloping beams that support a roof

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”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

baulk

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