Artillery item capable of absorbing crushing force? (6)
I believe the answer is:
mortar
'artillery' is the definition.
(mortar is a kind of artillery)
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for mortar that I've seen before include "Bomb-firing weapon" , "Brick cement" , "Bonding for brickwork - small cannon" , "Brick bonding; a cannon" , "Gun; brick bond" .)