before they see it. In Greenland blink means
iceberg.

BLIRT. A gust of wind and rain.

BLOAT, TO. To dry by smoke; a method latterly applied almost exclusively
to cure herrings or bloaters.--_Bloated_ is also applied to any
half-dried fish.

BLOCCO. Paper and hair used in paying a vessel's bottom.

BLOCK. (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).

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

BLOCKADE. The investment of a town or fortress by sea and land; shutting
up all the avenues, so that it can receive no relief.--_To blockade a
port_ is to prevent any communication therewith by sea, and cut off
supplies, in order to compel a surrender when the provisions and
ammunition are exhausted.--_To raise a blockade_ is to discontinue
it.--Blockade is violated by egress as well as by ingress. Warning on
the spot is sufficient notice of a blockade _de facto_. Declaration is
useless without actual investment. If a ship break a blockade, though
she escape the blockading force, she is, if taken in any part of her
future voyage, captured _in delicto_, and subject to confiscation. The
absence of the blockading force removes liability, and _might_ (in such
cases) overrules _right_.