a
nautical term which means to raise a
flag as high as it can go. This probably comes from another meaning of two-
block, which is to
pull on a
rope so that two blocks are drawn
close together. A
block is a casing, usually of wood, commonly found on vessels of all sizes and used to facilitate the working of ropes and
lines. The
block increases the
mechanical power applied to ropes by their
use in various combinations. A
block and tackle is a system of blocks and ropes used for hauling or lifting heavy objects. The greater number of blocks in a
block and tackle, the more
weight that can be
lifted. When the pulleys of the system come together, lifting
power is lost and the only alternative is to lower the
weight.