ˈbläk noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: French, literally, block, from Middle French — more at block
1.
a. : a temporary combination of parties in a legislative assembly ; especially : one organized to support the government in power in a country having a multiparty system
b. : a group of legislators in a United States legislative assembly who act together for some common purpose irrespective of party lines
the farm bloc
2.
a. : a combination of persons, groups, or nations forming a unit with a common interest or purpose : union
b. : a group of nations united by treaty or agreement for mutual support or joint action
the Western bloc
a middle course between the two power blocs
especially : a group of nations whose currencies are so linked as to be convertible into each other at fixed rates and usually freely transferable within the group
the sterling bloc
the dollar bloc