E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Balk
means the high ridge between furrows (Anglo-Saxon balca, a beam, a ridge); hence a rising ground.
1
A balk of timber is a beam running across the ceiling, etc., like a ridge. As the balk is the part not cut by the plough, therefore “to balk” means to leave untouched, or to disappoint.
2
To make a balk. To miss a part of the field in ploughing. Hence to disappoint. to withhold deceitfully.
3
To make a balk of good ground. To throw away a good chance.
