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temple block

noun

Definition of temple block

a : a percussion instrument used in East Asian Buddhist ceremonies consisting of a hollow, slotted, ornately carved wooden block that is struck with a beater
b : a related instrument either bulbous or boxlike in shape used in sets in Western classical and popular music —usually used in plural

— called also Chinese block, Chinese temple block

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First Known Use of temple block

1924, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of temple block was in 1924

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