Definition of "horse-block" [horse-block]

• A block or stage on which one steps in mounting or dismounting from a horse. (noun)
• A square frame of strong boards employed by excavators to elevate the ends of their wheeling-planks. (noun)
• In ship-building, a grating or platform elevated above the deck of a ship at the height of the rail, for the use of the officers of the deck. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "It was an amazed parent that caught sight of her son and heir scrambling off the back of his steed onto the horse-block in front of the church, clad in short swimming trunks and much bluing."
• "Hope; there were twisted the threads of the rotten cable of Despair; there Faith built her cross; there Love vivified the heart, and Hate dyed it; there Remorse sharpened his tooth; there Jealousy tinged his eye with emerald; there was quarried the horse-block from which dark"
• "Lacey Rountree was gone home to the Far Cove, and Wade lingered in talk with Grandpap Lusk a while at the horse-block, then got on his mule and, with florid good-byes, rode back home, evidently at rest as to Judith."