mortar1

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmɔːtə/

noun

  • 1a short smooth-bore gun for firing shells (technically called bombs) at high angles: mortars and machine guns [as modifier]: nine civilians died in a horrific mortar attack
  • a device used for firing a lifeline or firework.
  • 2a cup-shaped receptacle in which ingredients are crushed or ground, used in cooking or pharmacy: a pestle and mortar

verb

[with object]
  • attack or bombard with a mortar: the Commando positions were being heavily mortared (as noun mortaring) at first light the mortaring and sniping started

Origin:

late Old English (in mortar1 (sense 2 of the noun)), from Old French mortier, from Latin mortarium (to which the English spelling was later assimilated)