Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Block \Block\, n.
   1. In Australia, one of the large lots into which public
      land, when opened to settlers, is divided by the
      government surveyors.

   2. (Cricket)
      (a) The position of a player or bat when guarding the
          wicket.
      (b) A block hole.
      (c) The popping crease. [R.]

   {Back blocks}, Australian pastoral country which is remote
      from the seacoast or from a river.