Those M&D words 4

[Ande]

No--not a supporting structure----"Blocks"-- as in block and tackle--

or see fig 33   http://www.humboldt1.com/ar/literary/knight6.htm
*
Gun Tackle.* A purchase consisting of two single blocks and a length of 
rope.


(purchase--as in to acquire leverage)

Lots of line-handling and schooner sailing terms in Pynchon world--I 
suspect with hot-air balloons, there will be more.....

Ande  


Ya Sam wrote:

> While I'm at it...
>
> "Gun-Purchase Arrangement", some kind of cannon supporting structure?
>
> "The Carpenter of the Seahorse and his men have put up a structure 
> solid as a Man o' War, tarr'd the Roof and all the joints, rigg'd a 
> couple of Blocks in a Gun-Purchase Arrangement allowing the Gentlemen 
> to slide the Shutter open and clos'd from inside. "
>
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