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balkiness

 - 2 dictionary results

balk⋅y

[baw-kee]
–adjective, balk⋅i⋅er, balk⋅i⋅est.
given to balking; stubborn; obstinate: a balky mule.

Origin:
1840–50; balk + -y 1


balk⋅i⋅ly, adverb
balk⋅i⋅ness, noun


contrary, perverse, headstrong, mulish, pigheaded.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To balkiness
balk·y   (bô'kē)   
adj.   balk·i·er, balk·i·est
  1. Given to stopping and refusing to go on: a balky horse; a balky client.

  2. Difficult to operate or start: a balky switch; a balky engine.

balk'i·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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