Mortal(adj) subject to death; destined to die; as, man is mortal. Mortal(adj) destructive to life; causing or occasioning death; terminating life; exposing to or deserving death; deadly; as, a mortal wound; a mortal sin. Mortal(adj) fatally vulnerable; vital. Mortal(adj) of or pertaining to the time of death. Mortal(adj) affecting as if with power to kill; deathly. Mortal(adj) human; belonging to man, who is mortal; as, mortal wit or knowledge; mortal power. Mortal(adj) very painful or tedious; wearisome; as, a sermon lasting two mortal hours.
Shortcrust pastry is a type of pastry often used for the base of a tart, quiche or pie. It does not puff up during baking because it usually contains no leavening agent. It is possible to make shortcrust pastry with self-raising flour, however.
The pastry recipe is part way between puff and rough puff pastry. The butter is cut into cubes as for rough puff, but the pastry is folded, rolled and rested several times, making it more similar to puff pastry. In addition, a touch of baking powder is added to give more volume and crumbly airiness.