MORTAR

(Dut. mortar.) In Architecture, a cement for the junction of stones and bricks, made of lime, sand, and water. In the composition of it stone lime is preferable to that burned from chalk, and river to pit or road sand. Mortar. A short, wide piece of ordnance for throwing shells, bombs, grape-shot, . It is the most ancient kind of cannon. Mortar. In Pharmacy, a ve el made eilher of iron, stone-ware, or gla , , according to the use to which it is applied, in which substances are either pulverized or di olved by means of a pestle. In fine chemical proce es recourse is often had to mortars made of agate, flint, oi " porphvry. [s. 792]