balkyadj.
/ˈbɔːki/, U.S. /ˈbɔki/, /ˈbɑki/ Given to balking (as a horse); reluctant to proceed; contrary, perverse.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > wish or inclination > unwillingness > [adjective]
argha1000
slowOE
unwillyc1200
sweera1300
unfain1338
loathc1374
dangerousc1386
eschewc1386
squeamous1387
obstinate?a1439
unpresta1500
ill-willing?1520
evil-willing1525
untowards1525
untowarda1530
unwilling1533
strange1548
ill-willed1549
dainty1553
relucting1553
squeamish?1553
nicea1560
loathful1561
coyish1566
coy1576
unhearty1583
costive1594
unready1595
tarrowinga1598
undisposed1597
involuntary1598
backward1600
retrograde1602
unpregnant1604
scrupulous1608
unprone1611
refractory1614
behindhanda1616
nilling1620
backwards1627
shya1628
retractable1632
reluctant1638
loughta1641
tendera1641
unapt1640
uninclinable1640
unbeteaming1642
boggling1645
averse1646
indisposed1646
aversant1657
incomposed1660
disinclined1703
unobliging1707
unconsenting1713
uninclined1729
tenacious1766
disinclinable1769
ill-disposed1771
unaffectioned1788
scruplesomec1800
back-handed1817
sweert1817
tharf1828
backward in coming forward1830
unvoluntary1834
misinclined1837
squeamy1838
balky1847
retractive1869
grudging1874
tharfish1876
unwishful1876
safety first1917
1847 J. T. Hughes Doniphan's Exped. (1907) 14/1 The mules and other animals..often became refractory and balky.
1856 F. L. Olmsted Journey Slave States 197 Advice how to cure a balky horse: ‘Sell him, my lord.’
1857 O. W. Wight Quinland II. ii. xvi. 117 One of his horses is baulky, and he can't go any farther.
1873 W. S. Mayo Never Again xxiii. 291 Making a balky Crœsus step up to his collar.
1897 R. Kipling Captains Courageous vii. 147 Young Olley's gittin' kinder baulky an' excited.
1957 Economist 21 Dec. 1052/2 When federal officials hoped to proceed to more substantial matters such as public housing and public assistance, the states turned balky.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1885; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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adj.1847