Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • verb Present participle of balk.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adjective stopping short and refusing to go on

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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Examples

  • When the gentleman who guided me through the bush left me on the side of a pali, I discovered that Kahele, though strong, gentle, and sure-footed, possesses the odious fault known as balking, and expressed his aversion to ascend the other side in a most unmistakable manner.

    The Hawaiian Archipelago Isabella Lucy 2004

  • When the gentleman who guided me through the bush left me on the side of a pali, I discovered that Kahele, though strong, gentle, and sure-footed, possesses the odious fault known as balking, and expressed his aversion to ascend the other side in a most unmistakable manner.

    The Hawaiian Archipelago 1867

  • Now, some of his foreign policies are still idiocy -- such as balking at distributing condoms, or the global gag rule on abortion -- but at least Bush did some things that were helpful, and he spent a lot of money on it.

    Chris Weigant: My 2008 "McLaughlin Awards" [Part 2] 2010

  • Now, some of his foreign policies are still idiocy -- such as balking at distributing condoms, or the global gag rule on abortion -- but at least Bush did some things that were helpful, and he spent a lot of money on it.

    My 2008 "McLaughlin Awards" [Part 2] 2010

  • ROBERTS: And, of course, as we heard earlier in the program, China really kind of balking on those really tough sanctions that it might take to get North Korea to give up its nuclear program.

    CNN Transcript Oct 15, 2006 2006

  • ROBERTS: And, of course, as we heard earlier in the program, China really kind of balking on those really tough sanctions that it might take to get North Korea to give up its nuclear program.

    CNN Transcript Oct 14, 2006 2006

  • Jibbing, or "balking" as the Americans term it, is a detestable vice.

    The Horsewoman A Practical Guide to Side-Saddle Riding, 2nd. Ed. Alice M. Hayes 1873

  • Recent headlines and letters have unfairly accused Assemblywoman Lupardo of "balking" at a reduction in pay.

    unknown title 2009

  • Other countries such as China and Iran are also "balking" on the idea, using the excuses of U.S.

    Global Issues News Headlines 2009

  • Meanwhile, the Washington Post Friday editorially advised a "balking" Berman, "a long time sceptic of the deal" to find a way to help move the deal forward as "it is in America's interest."

    Zee News : India National 2008

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