brake block
English
![](Images/wiktionary/Manchester_Carriage_%2526_Tramways_Company_horse_bus_L2%252C_MMT_Manchester_Bus_100_event_(3).jpg.webp)
A brake block on a horse omnibus
Noun
brake block (plural brake blocks)
- (on a bicycle) one of two small blocks fitted to a brake caliper, which rub on the wheel rim when the brake is applied.
- (rail transport) a metal block fitted to locomotives or rolling stock, which rubs on the steel tyre of the wheel when the brake is applied.
- a block (perhaps wooden) used for braking a horse-drawn vehicle.
References
- “brake block” in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press.