block bookingn.
/ˌblɒk ˈbʊkɪŋ/, U.S. /ˌblɑk ˈbʊkɪŋ/ 1. Film. A system in which films are sold for distribution in groups rather than individually. Now chiefly historical.Recorded earliest as a modifier.
Π
1916 Bioscope 7 Sept. 365/1 The discussion of the merits and demerits of the ‘block booking’ system is continued in this issue.
1998 Civilization Mar. 90/1 The Warners had little reason to demand quality cartoons... Their indifference was protected by a curious merchandising custom, since struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, called block booking.
2. The action or practice of reserving a large number of hotel rooms, tickets, seats, etc., at the same time. Also as a count noun: an act or instance of this.
ΘΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > [noun] > by asking or entreaty > an order > ordering or booking
indenting1808
block-booking1925
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > film show > [noun] > booking of films by cinema proprietors
block-booking1925
blind booking1927
1938 Evening Tel. 4 Nov. 4/2 (headline) Block booking at Kirkcaldy ice rink.
1963 Guardian 23 Jan. 7/7 Among the first block bookings [on a car ferry] was one for a party of 1,300 French Boy Scouts.
1996 Cycle Touring & Campaigning Apr. 30/1 Requests will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis: there is no block booking, so..the sooner you book the better.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2022).
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n.1916