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Glite Dictionary
baulk-line

baulk-line

9.9
A line across a billiard table behind which players place the cue ball at the start of a game
  • noun
  • /bɔːk laɪn/
  • Jargon
translation icon : línea de baulk
  • The cue balls are placed behind the baulk-line at the start of the game.

Examples

  • He carefully placed the cue ball behind the baulk-line before taking his first shot.

  • The referee checked that all balls were positioned correctly behind the baulk-line.

  • According to the rules, you cannot strike the ball until it crosses the baulk-line.

  • Players must shoot from behind the baulk-line in the first turn.

  • According to the rules, you cannot strike the ball until it crosses the baulk-line.

  • He carefully placed the cue ball behind the baulk-line before taking his first shot.

  • Players must shoot from behind the baulk-line in the first turn.

Synonyms

balkline
vsbaulk-line
  • Specialized
9.9

A marked line on a billiard table behind which players put the cue ball at the start

is the general line term without stressing a physical marking
string line
vsbaulk-line
  • Jargon
8.9

An invisible or marked line on a pool table behind which cue balls are placed at game start

is the line across the table stated without saying it may be imaginary

Surface Forms

baulk-line singular
baulk-lines plural

Morphology

baulk-line = baulk + line (opaque) = baulk + line

Although formally 'baulk' + 'line' composes the term, 'baulk' is a specialised billiards term unfamiliar to many learners, so the compound's meaning is not derivable by an average B1 learner.

Etymology

The word baulk-line begins with baulk, an old word that is like the common English balk, which means 'to stop' or 'hesitate'. So a baulk-line is the marked 'barrier' on a billiard table behind which the cue balls are placed at the start.