Mortar

n. [Lat. mortarium, It. mortario, mortajo, Sp. mortero, Pg. morteiro, Pr. & Fr. mortier, A-S. mortere, O. H. Ger. mortari, morsari, N. H. Ger. mörser.]

1. A wide-mouthed vessel, in form of an inverted bell, in which substances are pounded or bruised with a pestle.
2. (Mil.) A short piece of ordnance, used for throwing bombs, carcasses, shells, &c., at high angles of elevation, as 45°, and even higher;—so named from its resemblance in shape to the utensil above described.

Mortar-bed (Mil.), a frame-work of wood and iron, suitably hollowed out to receive the breech and trunnions of a mortar.—Mortar-piece, a mortar. [Obs.] Shak.—Mortar-wagon, a wagon used to transport mortars, mortar-beds, spare guns, and projectiles.