n. & v. (also mortice)
n. a hole in a framework designed to receive the end of another part, esp. a tenon.
v.tr. 1 join securely, esp. by mortise and tenon. 2 cut a mortise in. mortise lock a lock recessed into a mortise in the frame of a door or window etc.
[ ME f. OF mortoise f. Arab. murtazz fixed in ]