block

1. v. t. 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. Source: opted

2. v. t. The solid piece of wood on which condemned persons lay their necks when they are beheaded. Source: opted

3. v. t. The wooden mold on which hats, bonnets, etc., are shaped. Source: opted

4. v. t. The pattern or shape of a hat. Source: opted

5. v. t. 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. Source: opted

6. v. t. A square, or portion of a city inclosed by streets, whether occupied by buildings or not. Source: opted

7. v. t. 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. Source: opted

8. v. t. The perch on which a bird of prey is kept. Source: opted

9. v. t. Any obstruction, or cause of obstruction; a stop; a hindrance; an obstacle; as, a block in the way. Source: opted

10. v. t. A piece of box or other wood for engravers' work. Source: opted

11. v. t. A piece of hard wood (as mahogany or cherry) on which a stereotype or electrotype plate is mounted to make it type high. Source: opted

12. v. t. A blockhead; a stupid fellow; a dolt. Source: opted

13. v. t. A section of a railroad where the block system is used. See Block system, below. Source: opted

14. n. 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. Source: opted

15. n. 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. Source: opted

16. n. To shape on, or stamp with, a block; as, to block a hat. Source: opted

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