Mor·tar n.
 1. A strong vessel, commonly in form of an inverted bell, in which substances are pounded or rubbed with a pestle.
 2.  Mil. A short piece of ordnance, used for throwing bombs, carcasses, shells, etc., 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 framework of wood and iron, suitably hollowed out to receive the breech and trunnions of a mortar.
 Mortar boat or Mortar vessel Naut., a boat strongly built and adapted to carrying a mortar or mortars for bombarding; a bomb ketch.
 Mortar piece, a mortar. [Obs.] --Shak.