block

The Sailor's Word-Book

I.


(In mechanics termed a pulley.) Blocks are flattish oval pieces of wood, with sheaves in them, for all the running ropes to run in. They are used for various purposes in a ship, either to increase the mechanical power of the ropes, or to arrange the ends of them in certain places on the deck, that they may be readily found when wanted; they are consequently of various sizes and powers, and obtain various names, according to their form or situation, thus:

A single block contains only one sheave or wheel. A double block has two sheaves. A treble or threefold block, three, and so on. A long-tackle or fiddle-block has two sheaves one below the other, like a fiddle. Cistern or sister block for top-sail lifts and reef tackles. Every block is composed of three, and generally four, parts:

1.) The shell, or outside wooden part.

2.) The sheave, or wheel, on which the rope runs.

3.) The pin, or axle, on which the sheave turns.

4.) The strop, or part by which the block is made fast to any particular station, and is usually made either of rope or of iron.

Blocks are named and distinguished by the ropes which they carry, and the uses they serve for, as bowlines, braces, clue-lines, halliards, &c. &c. They are either made or morticed (which see).

II.

The large piece of elm out of which the figure is carved at the head of the ship.

The Sailor's Word-Book

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