balkline

American  

[bawk-lahyn] / ˈbɔkˌlaɪn /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of balkline

First recorded in 1830–40; balk + line ¹

Example Sentences

Said he, after winning: "I'm sure I'm going to prefer balkline."

From Time Magazine Archive

Two years ago in Washington he finished seventh and last in the world's championship 18.2 balkline billiard tournament, winning not a game.

From Time Magazine Archive

Felix Grange, outstanding European billiardist, journeyed to the U. S.; entered the world's 18.2 balkline tournament in Washington, D. C. Last week, while practicing, he threw his cue aside in disgust.

From Time Magazine Archive

It was the first three-cushion tournament Cochran, balkline champion in 1928, had ever entered.

From Time Magazine Archive

Hoppe, the champion, led Koji Yamada, his Japanese challenger, 1,000 to 743 points at the close of their second night's play for the 14.1 balkline billiard championship at Convention Hall this evening.

From News Writing The Gathering , Handling and Writing of News Stories by Spencer, M. Lyle (Matthew Lyle)