BLOCKS, in sea-language, are pieces of wood belonging to ships, in which the shivers of pulleys are placed, and wherein the running-ropes go. Of these some are single, some double; and some have three, four, or five shivers in them. They are named and distinguished by the ropes they carry, and the uses they serve for.
Block Machinery; machinery lately introduced into the naval dock-yards of Britain for manufacturing blocks. See SUPPLEMENT.
Mounting-Block, an eminence usually of stone, cut in steps or notches, serving as a help to mount on horseback. These were much in use among the ancients, who were unacquainted with stirrups. The Romans erected them at proper stations along all their great roads.