Brickwork terminology: the portion of a brick that is cut across its width (used to adjust length in bonding) is called what?

Introduction / Context:
Accurate terminology in brick masonry helps in communicating details of bond, coursing, and special units. “Bats” and “closers” are two common categories of cut bricks, distinguished by the direction of the cut relative to the brick's length and width.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A standard rectangular brick is considered.
• Cut direction across the width is specified.
• Used for maintaining bond and adjusting brick lengths in a course.

Concept / Approach:
A bat is a portion of a brick cut across its length (i.e., across the width dimension), resulting in segments such as half bats or three-quarter bats. A closer is cut along the length (longitudinally), producing pieces like queen closers (half-width along the full length).

Step-by-Step Solution:
Interpret “cut across the width” → a crosswise cut to adjust effective brick length in the course.By definition, such a piece is a bat.Select “Bat.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Bond diagrams in English/Flemish bonds show half-bats at returns and junctions to maintain quoin alignment.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Closer: longitudinal cut, not crosswise.
• Half brick: generic term; the specific technical term is bat.
• Bed: the surface on which a brick is laid, not a cut piece.
• Arris: the sharp edge, unrelated to cutting classification.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing the direction of cut; assuming “half brick” is a precise technical term for all cross-cuts.

Final Answer:
Bat