v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Bilked p. pr. & vb. n. Bilking. ] [ Origin unknown. Cf. Balk. ] To frustrate or disappoint; to deceive or defraud, by nonfulfillment of engagement; to leave in the lurch; to give the slip to; as, to bilk a creditor. Thackeray. [ 1913 Webster ]