mortise

n. [ F. mortaise; cf. Sp. mortaja, Ar. murtazz fixed, or W. mortais, Ir. mortis, moirtis, Gael. moirteis. ] A cavity cut into a piece of timber, or other material, to receive something (as the end of another piece) made to fit it, and called a tenon. [ 1913 Webster ]

Mortise and tenon (Carp.), made with a mortise and tenon; joined or united by means of a mortise and tenon; -- used adjectively. --
Mortise joint, a joint made by a mortise and tenon. --
Mortise lock. See under Lock. --
Mortise wheel, a cast-iron wheel, with wooden clogs inserted in mortises on its face or edge; -- also called mortise gear, and core gear. [ 1913 Webster ]