MORTIER, an ensign of dignity, borne by the chancellor and grand presidents of the parliament of France. That borne by the chancellor, is a piece of cloth of gold, edged and turned up with ermine; and that of the first president is a piece of black velvet edged with a double row of gold lace, while that of the other presidents is only edged with a single row. This they formerly carried on their heads, as they do still in grand ceremonies, such as the entry of the king; but, ordinarily, they carry them in the hand.