balkline

[ bawk-lahyn ]

noun

1. Sports. (in track events) the starting line.
2. Billiards.
   1. a straight line drawn across the table behind which the cue balls are placed in beginning a game.
   2. any of four lines, each near to and parallel with one side of the cushion, that divide the table into a large central panel or section and eight smaller sections or balks lying between these.
   3. a balk lying inside one of these sections.
   4. balk ( def 11 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of balkline¹

First recorded in 1830–40; balk + line ¹