Balks

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.

To pass over or by.

To omit, miss or overlook by chance.

To miss intentionally; to avoid.

To stop, check, block.

To indicate to fishermen, by shouts or signals from shore, the direction taken by the shoals of herring.