a slot or recess, usually rectangular, cut into a piece of wood, stone, etc, to receive a matching projection (tenon) of another piece, or a mortise lock
2. printing
a cavity cut into a letterpress printing plate into which type or another plate is inserted
verb(transitive)
3.
to cut a slot or recess in (a piece of wood, stone, etc)
4.
to join (two pieces of wood, stone, etc) by means of a mortise and tenon
5.
to cut a cavity in (a letterpress printing plate) for the insertion of type, etc
Derived forms
mortiser (ˈmortiser)
noun
Word origin
C14: from Old French mortoise, perhaps from Arabic murtazza fastened in position
mortise in American English
(ˈmɔrtɪs)
noun
1.
a hole or recess cut, as in a piece of wood, to receive a projecting part (tenon) shaped to fit into it, or to receive a lock
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈmortised or ˈmortising
2.
to join or fasten securely, esp. with a mortise and tenon
3.
to cut a mortise in
Word origin
ME mortays < MFr mortaise, a mortise < Ar murtazza, joined, fixed in