the ropes or chains and blocks used in a hoisting tackle.
Origin
1830-40
Examples from the web for block and tackle
Hoist tools and equipment to tree trimmers, and lower branches with ropes or block and tackle.
Attempting to move objects heavier than the block and tackle can safely support may damage the tool or cause injury.
They use block and tackle, pulleys, or other lifting devices.
Lift and align components into position, using hoist or block and tackle.
The car was loaded with supplies and equipment including a block and tackle.
Hoists tools and equipment to tree trimmers and lowers tree tops, limbs and branches with rope or block and tackle.
It proved necessary to let down a mule by means of a block and tackle, thus to extract him from his predicament.
British Dictionary definitions for block and tackle
block and tackle
noun
1.
a hoisting device in which a rope or chain is passed around a pair of blocks containing one or more pulleys. The upper block is secured overhead and the lower block supports the load, the effort being applied to the free end of the rope or chain
block and tackle in Science
block and tackle
(blŏk) An arrangement of pulleys and ropes used to reduce the amount of force needed to move heavy loads. One pulley is attached to the load, and rope or chains connect this pulley to a fixed pulley. Each pulley may have multiple grooves or wheels for the rope to pass over numerous times. Pulling the rope or chain slowly draws the load-bearing pulley toward the fixed one with high mechanical advantage.