Sniped lots of stuff

I assume you did check the AC outlet or power wiring!

Also, older installations may have a pair of fuses, on one each leg
of the 115-0-115 V service. Sometimes, only one of these fuses blows
(possibly for no good reason) killing power to the 120 V stuff.

Thanks Sam

The AC cord (3 wire setup) and wiring block for continuity? Yes.

The 240v socket? No. How do you check it properly? 0-115 on both sides? Or
115 to 115 for 240 volts? All of the "how to" books avoid the testing
procedure for 240v outlets and I don't want to do it until I know how to
do it.

It is easy. Check it both ways. It should show 120v from hot to neutral on
one side and 120 from hot to neutral on the other side. This will let you
know that your hot and neutral is working. You can also measure hot to hot
and you should have 240v. A 240v circuit is really 2 120 circuits in 2
different phases so there is potential between them. Not sure if phase is
the correct term here, but gets the same idea.

FWIW it's a dual circuit breaker on the panel. It didn't trip when the
dryer went dead.

The breaker can be tripped and appear to be closed. You should open and
close breakers to be sure.

Mike