mortise lock

noun

1. a lock housed within a mortise in a door or the like, so that the lock mechanism is covered on both sides.

mortise lock

noun

1. a lock set into a mortise in a door so that the mechanism of the lock is enclosed by the door

Word History and Origins

Origin of mortise lock¹

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

Designed by Thomas Meyerhoffer, a Swedish-born designer whose early career includes tenure at Apple, Latch is a contemporary take on the classic mortise lock.

From New York Times

Iron rod threaded through three rusted loops, old mortise lock with a rusty cam.

From Literature

Here is a common, cheap English mortise lock, and you will naturally ask why the outside of this lock is ground bright, when it is buried in the door and never seen except it has to be taken out for repairs.

From Project Gutenberg

The body of the lock is cast iron; and, seeing that there are no strains upon a mortise lock, it is quite as good as if it was of wrought iron.

From Project Gutenberg