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.
Phrases and idioms:
mortise lock a lock recessed into a mortise in the frame of a door or window etc.
Etymology: ME f. OF mortoise f. Arab. murtazz fixed in