Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Wiktionary
n. Pastry containing no leavening agent; often used to make the base of tarts, pies etc.
Wikipedia
Shortcrust pastry is a type of pastry often used for the base of a tart, quiche or pie. It does not puff up during baking because it usually contains no leavening agent. It is possible to make shortcrust pastry with self-rising flour, however. Shortcrust pastry can be used to make both sweet and savory pies such as apple pie, quiche, lemon meringue or chicken pie. Many shortcrust pastries are prepared using vegetable shortening, a fat food product that is solid at room temperature, the composition of which tends to create crumbly, shortcrust-style pastries and pastry crusts.
Usage examples of "shortcrust pastry".
Both had made suitable marriages, and, unlike their father, hugged their children, cooked Sunday lunch, knew the difference between puff and shortcrust pastry, and changed nappies without any loss of masculinity.
It is not the cake he would choose for himself - he still prefers the firm texture of shortcrust pastry.