1. A composition, also called heel-ball, used by shoemakers, etc., and also for taking rubbings of brasses and the like.
1847. in Craig.
2. A black ball of wood, ivory, etc., put into the urn or ballot-box to express an adverse vote; hence, an adverse secret vote, recorded in any way.
1869. Spectator, 3 July, 779/1. They have exercised precisely the same right which is exercised by every man who drops a blackball into the urn.
1884. Harper’s Mag., June, 148/1. Three blackballs used to make a gentleman wince.
