auction block

noun

Also called block. a platform from which an auctioneer sells: the old courthouse where slaves were sold from the auction block.

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CAN YOU FEEL THE WEAL WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ?

Did you collect all of last week’s words, but eftsoons forget what they mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to jog your memory. See how many words from the week of May 18 to 24 you can get right!

Question 1 of 7

weal

well-being, prosperity, or happiness.

the intervening time.

a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.

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Idioms for auction block

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

Origin of auction block

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Words nearby auction block

aubusson, auc, auckland, auckland islands, auction, auction block, auction bridge, auction pinochle, auction pitch, auctioneer, auctorial

Example sentences from the Web for auction block

She listened for the gathering buzzing of voices in the next room, around the auction-block.
Balcony Stories|Grace E. King
It was the auction-block horror that first prompted him to seek freedom.
The Underground Railroad|William Still
The temple of American liberty was finished—the auction-block was the corner-stone.
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 12 (of 12)|Robert G. Ingersoll
I stood by him on the auction-block; and when I stepped down, they thought they had him sure.
The Underground Railroad|William Still

At last I was dressed in clean, showy clothes and led to the auction-block, where I was auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Ten American Girls From History|Kate Dickinson Sweetser

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