Blöck'-house, n.

n. [block and house.] (Mil.) An edifice or structure of heavy timber or logs for military defense, having its sides loop-holed for musketry, and often an upper story projecting over the lower, or placed upon it diagonally, with projecting corners, to facilitate firing downward, and in all directions; formerly much used in America and Germany. The sides and ends are sometimes much like a stockade, and the top covered with earth; there may also be a ditch around it.