I've never heard one called a hawk, but I'm picturing in my mind
the way a plasterer holds the board out at the end of his arm, and
it might be thought to bear a bit of resemblance to the way a
falconer holds his bird.  Just a guess, but I can't think of a better
explanation right now...

-- Steve Fravel

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Nichael Cramer" 

> On another list where I hang out, the claim was made
> that among plasterers a mortar board is (or was) known
> as "hawk".

> Is anyone familar with this usage?