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

A mortise-lock is fitted in a similar way, but let into a mortise (see Mortising).

From Project Gutenberg