mortise: Meaning and Definition of

mor•tise

1. a notch, hole, groove, or slot made in a piece of wood or the like to receive a tenon of the same dimensions.
2. a deep recess cut into wood for any of several other purposes, as for receiving a mortise lock.
3. a space cut out of a plate, esp. for the insertion of type or another plate.

1. to secure with a mortise and tenon.
2. to cut or form a mortise in (a piece of wood or the like).
3. to join securely.
1. to cut metal from (a plate).
2. to cut out metal from a plate and insert (new material) in its place.