Hesitated (6)
'hesitated' is the definition.
('pause' can be a synonym of 'hesitate')
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for paused that I've seen before include "Waited a moment" , "Hesitated, stopped briefly" , "Stopped temporarily or hesitated" , "Ceased temporarily" .)
(Other definitions for balked that I've seen before include "Shirked or jibbed like horse at jump" , "Jibed at, like horse at fence" .)