/bawk"luyn'/ , n.
1. Sports. (in track events) the starting line.
2. Billiards.
a. a straight line drawn across the table behind which the cue balls are placed in beginning a game.
b. 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.
c. a balk lying inside one of these sections.
d. balk (def. 11).
[ 1830-40; BALK + LINE 1 ]