1549. Latimer, Serm. bef. Edw. VI. (Arb.), 36. Amongest many balkinges, is much stumbling.
1649. Blith, Eng. Improv. Impr. (1653), 182. It is my constant cry to my own Husbandmen to take heed of Ploough-balking and Harrow balking, but now I say in a more especial manner, take heed of Seed-balking.
1783. Ainsworth, Lat. Dict. (Morell), Balking, imporcatio, [also] omissio, prætermissio.
1875. B. Taylor, Faust, I. iv. 71. Fall to and show no timid balking.