Webster's English Dictionary

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mortise

1. mor.tise also mor.tice \'mo.rt-*s\ n [ME mortays, fr. MF mortaise] : a 
   hole, groove, or slot into or through which some other part of any arr 
   angement of parts fits or passes; specif : a usu. rectangular cavity cut 
   into a piece of timber or other material to receive a tenon
2. mortise also mortice vt 1: to join or fasten securely; specif : to join 
   or fasten by a ten on and mortise 2: to cut or make a mortise in