auction block

American  

[awk-shuhn blok] / ˈɔk ʃən ˌblɒk /

noun

1. Also called block.  a platform from which an auctioneer sells.

   The auction block in front of the old courthouse was removed and placed in a slavery exhibit at the state museum.

---

idioms

1. put on the auction block, to offer for sale at auction; offer to sell to the highest bidder. Also put on the block.

Etymology

Origin of auction block

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50