leading block

[ lee-ding ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. lead block.

Word History and Origins

Origin of leading block¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Davis, who finished with 11 points and nine rebounds, set the school's single-season block record in Kentucky's previous win against Arkansas and added to his nation's leading block total.

From Newsweek

Next I got an axe out of the boatswain's locker and chopped away the rigging that held the broken spars to the bark, then when the vessel was clear I squared the topsail-yard by the braces, ran aloft, cast off the gaskets that held the sail, descended to the deck, where I sheeted home the topsail as well as possible, and carried the halyards through a leading block to the capstan, on which I hove away until I had lifted the yard as high as my strength allowed.

From Project Gutenberg

A purchase extending from topmast-head to deck, for sending sails aloft ready for bending; it usually consists of two single blocks, having thimbles and a hook; a leading block on the slings through which the fall leads to bear the top-sail clear of the top-rim.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Gibney fell upon the main to'gallan'-s'l leads like a demon, carried them through the leading block to the winch head, turned over the winch and sheeted home the main-to'-gallan'-s'l.

From Project Gutenberg

The leading block ship had been timed to pass the lighthouse twenty-five minutes after the Vindictive came alongside.

From Project Gutenberg