MUD (5 letters) The term MORTAR TROUGH is a tool used in masonry work. It is a shallow, rectangular container that holds mortar for bricklaying. The crossword solutions for this term are HOD (3 letters) and MUD (5 letters). HOD is a three-letter word meaning a large, open container used to carry bricks, mortar, or other building materials. MUD is a five-letter word meaning a mixture of wet soil and water used in construction.