Mortarboard

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  mortarboard \mortarboard\, mortar board \mortar board\n.
     1. A small square board with a handle beneath, for holding
        mortar; a hawk; used by masons to hold or carry mortar.
        [1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5]
  
     2. An academic cap topped by broad, projecting, stiff and


        flat square top, with a tassel attached to the top and
        hanging down. It was once worn by students in some
        colleges, but is now worn usually only at graduation
        ceremonies.
        [1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  mortarboard
       n 1: a square board with a handle underneath; used by masons to
            hold or carry mortar [syn: {hawk}]
       2: an academic cap with a flat square with a tassel on top