mortise lock

American  

noun

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

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mortise lock British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of mortise lock

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

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

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr

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 Scientific American, Volume 40, No. 13, March 29, 1879 A Weekly Journal of Practical Information, Art, Science, Mechanics, Chemistry, and Manufactures by Various