Definitions for "mortar board"
Keywords:  mason, hawk, honor, square, swarthmore
A small square board with a handle beneath, for holding mortar; a hawk; used by masons to hold or carry mortar.
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.
a square hat that is worn by people when they graduate from school