mortise
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1mor·tise

noun \ˈmr-təs\

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

Variants of MORTISE

mor·tise also mor·tice \ˈmr-təs\

Origin of MORTISE

Middle English mortays, from Anglo-French mortais
First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with MORTISE

2mortise

transitive verb
mor·tised also mor·ticedmor·tis·ing also mor·tic·ing

Definition of MORTISE

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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