Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BLOCK-ADE', n. [L. bloccato; Port. bloqueado, blocked up; Sp. bloqueo; Fr. blocus.]

The siege of a place, formed by surrounding it with hostile troops or ships, or by posting them at all the avenues, to prevent escape, and hinder supplies of provisions and ammunition from entering, with a view to compel a surrender, by hunger and want, without regular attacks. To constitute a blockade, the investing power must be able to supply its force to every point of practicable access, so as to render it dangerous to attempt to enter; and there is no blockade of that port, where its force can not be brought to bear. – Kent's Commentaries.