At first glance, today’s NYT Crossword clue, “Mortarboard carrier,” sounds like a device used in the Middle Ages. Surprisingly, it isn’t, although figuring it out can be about as tricky as using one of those ancient historical devices.

This clue is from the NYT Mini Crossword puzzle from August 9. If you don't know what a Beret is, you've come to the right place for some hints and the answer.

The answer to the clue "Mortarboard carrier" is "GRAD." A mortarboard, or graduation cap, is a square hat worn by graduates of a course, degree, or school. It is called a mortarboard because masons used flat boards to lay mortar.

I was a little confused with this one, because I've never heard anyone call a graduation cap or graduation hat a Mortarboard. The latter sounds pretty dangerous. It wasn't until I solved the surrounding clues that I was able to figure it out.