mortise, mortaise, mortice, mortesse, morteys, morties

[Fr. mortaise, a word of unknown origin; cf. Sp. mortaja =a mortise; Arab. murtazz = fixed in the mark (said of an arrow).] Joinery: A cavity bored and cut in timber or other material to receive a tenon. It is the usual mode of joining the timbers of a frame, whether of a house or a machine. Mortises in a hub are said to be dodging when they dodge in and out alternately, in order to stiffen the wheel, which by spreading the bases of the spokes are then said to be staggered, and the wheel is a staggered wheel. "What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them, Can hold the mortise ?" Shakesp.: Othello , ii. 1. mortise-bolt, s. A bolt let into a mortise in a door, instead of being placed thereon.