| Block |
A piece of wood more or less bulky; a solid mass of wood, stone, etc., usually with one or more plane, or approximately plane, faces; as, a block on which a butcher chops his meat; a block by which to mount a horse; children's playing blocks, etc. |
v. t. |
| Block |
The solid piece of wood on which condemned persons lay their necks when they are beheaded. |
v. t. |
| Block |
The wooden mold on which hats, bonnets, etc., are shaped. |
v. t. |
| Block |
The pattern or shape of a hat. |
v. t. |
| Block |
A large or long building divided into separate houses or shops, or a number of houses or shops built in contact with each other so as to form one building; a row of houses or shops. |
v. t. |
| Block |
A square, or portion of a city inclosed by streets, whether occupied by buildings or not. |
v. t. |
| Block |
A grooved pulley or sheave incased in a frame or shell which is provided with a hook, eye, or strap, by which it may be attached to an object. It is used to change the direction of motion, as in raising a heavy object that can not be conveniently reached, and also, when two or more such sheaves are compounded, to change the rate of motion, or to exert increased force; -- used especially in the rigging of ships, and in tackles. |
v. t. |
| Block |
The perch on which a bird of prey is kept. |
v. t. |
| Block |
Any obstruction, or cause of obstruction; a stop; a hindrance; an obstacle; as, a block in the way. |
v. t. |
| Block |
A piece of box or other wood for engravers' work. |
v. t. |
| Block |
A piece of hard wood (as mahogany or cherry) on which a stereotype or electrotype plate is mounted to make it type high. |
v. t. |
| Block |
A blockhead; a stupid fellow; a dolt. |
v. t. |
| Block |
A section of a railroad where the block system is used. See Block system, below. |
v. t. |
| Block |
To obstruct so as to prevent passage or progress; to prevent passage from, through, or into, by obstructing the way; -- used both of persons and things; -- often followed by up; as, to block up a road or harbor. |
n. |
| Block |
To secure or support by means of blocks; to secure, as two boards at their angles of intersection, by pieces of wood glued to each. |
n. |
| Block |
To shape on, or stamp with, a block; as, to block a hat. |
n. |
| Block book |
A book printed from engraved wooden blocks instead of movable types. |
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| Block tin |
See under Tin. |
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| Pillar |
The general and popular term for a firm, upright, insulated support for a superstructure; a pier, column, or post; also, a column or shaft not supporting a superstructure, as one erected for a monument or an ornament. |
n. |
| Pillar |
Figuratively, that which resembles such a pillar in appearance, character, or office; a supporter or mainstay; as, the Pillars of Hercules; a pillar of the state. |
n. |