a chemical utensil, used for the division of bodies, partly by percussion and partly by grinding. Mortars have usually the form of an inverted bell, and are made either of iron, stone, stoneware, or glass, &c., according to the use to which they are applied. For the finer chemical processes they are often composed of agate, flint, or porphyry. The matter intended to be pounded is put into them, and then struck and bruised by an instrument denominated a pestle.

in the military art, is a short cannon of a large bore, with chambers. It is made of brass or iron, and is used to project hollow shells, filled with powder, called bombs, and sometimes also carcasses. (See ARTILLERY.) The mortars used at sea are fixed in bomb-vessels, which are constructed for their reception; they are made somewhat longer and much heavier than those employed on land. The mortar is the most ancient kind of cannon, and was first made in England in 1543. (See GUNNERY.)