pitch block
/ˈpɪtʃ blɒk/noun
In metalworking: a block with a slightly yielding surface made from a mixture including pitch, on which metal objects are placed during engraving or embossing.
- Listed s.v. pitch in N.E.D. (1907), but this would seem to be a misinterpretation..
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Edward H. Knight (1824–1883), patent lawyer and expert in mechanics. From pitch + block.