blocker
(ˈblɒkə(r))
[f. block v. + -er1.]
1. One who blocks. spec. in Shoemaking and Bookbinding. Also in Hat-making (cf. block n. 4 a, v. 8).
| 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. Table 69, Fishers, Forestallers, Regraters, Sutours, Kemesters, Bloccers. 1866 Lond. Rev. 27 Oct. 459/2 There are various epithets for shoemakers..there are welters..clickers, blockers, runners, &c. 1884 Pall Mall G. 4 Jan. 10/1 A blocker, in the employ of Messrs. ―, bookbinders. 1884 Manch. Exam. 8 Aug. 5/7 The inveterate blocker. 1894 Daily News 26 Apr. 2/5 A straw hat blocker. 1898 Daily Chron. 14 Oct. 10/5 Blocker..for felt and straw hats. |
2. A tool for blocking.
| 1407 Test. Ebor. I. 347 Lego Petro apprenticio meo j. chipax..j. blokker, j. twybyll. |
3. colloq. A small piece of meat placed for sale on the butcher's block, as opposed to the ‘joints’ hung on hooks.
| 1848 Fraser's Mag. XXXVII. 396 Forced to substitute a ‘blocker’ of meat, with its cheap accompaniment of bread and vegetables..for poultry and rump-steaks. |
4. a. A cricketer who habitually blocks the bowling. (Cf. block v. 5.)
| 1851 J. Pycroft Cricket Field vii. 14 One of the most awkward, poking, vexatious blockers that ever produced a counterfeit of cricket defied Bayley and Cobbett at Oxford in 1836,—three hours, and made five and thirty runs. |
b. Amer. Football. An offensive player whose task is to obstruct an opponent with his own body. Also fig.
| 1935 Collier's Mag. 21 Dec. 12/4 Riley Smith of Alabama was the year's finest blocker. 1945 L. H. Baker Football xiv. 13 Much of the success of a team depends on the efficiency of its blockers. 1957 Encycl. Brit. IX. 479/1 These lines..further aided the defensive team by confusing the offensive team's blockers on their assignments. 1973 Black Panther 22 Sept. 10/1 After futilely awaiting some sign from the sidelines that they were not mere blockers, to be used and trod upon in their football loving president's game plan to power, the four have decided to talk. 1984 N.Y. Times 2 Jan. 31/1 Mark Schellen,..fullback, fills the twin roles of blocker and rusher. |
5. slang. A bowler hat.
| 1934 J. Brophy Waterfront xi. 204 He'd worn one at the wedding, the first ‘blocker’ he'd ever had. 1966 F. Shaw et al. Lern Yerself Scouse 58 Foremen traditionally wore bowler-hats, or ‘blockers’. |