auction block

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

Nearby words

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

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

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