I. ˌbilk transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: perhaps alteration of balk (II)
1. : to block the free development, functioning, or fulfillment of : balk , check
whatever measures one suggests are bound to be resisted if not bilked — Saturday Review
2.
a. : to cheat out of what is due : defraud
bilked insurance companies of more than $1,000,000 — Henry La Cossitt
b. archaic : to evade payment of or for
don't intend to bilk my lodgings — Henry Fielding
3.
a. archaic : to slip away from
b. : avoid , shun
bilked the problem of slavery by making Heaven democratic — Waldo Frank
II. noun
( -s )
: an untrustworthy tricky individual : cheat