Dictionary
1mortise
noun mor·tise \ˈmȯr-təs\
: a hole that is cut in a piece of wood or other material so that another piece (called a tenon) will fit into it to form a connection
Full Definition of MORTISE
: a hole, groove, or slot into or through which some other part of an arrangement of parts fits or passes; especially : a cavity cut into a piece of material (as timber) to receive a tenon — see dovetail illustration
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Variants of MORTISE
mor·tise also mor·tice \ˈmȯr-təs\
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Origin of MORTISE
Middle English mortays, from Anglo-French mortais
First Known Use: 15th century
2mortise
verb
mor·tised also mor·ticedmor·tis·ing also mor·tic·ing
Definition of MORTISE
transitive verb
1
: to join or fasten securely; specifically : to join or fasten by a tenon and mortise
2
: to cut or make a mortise in
Variants of MORTISE
mortise also mortice
First Known Use of MORTISE
15th century
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