Masonic Glossary
A comprehensive dictionary of Masonic terms, symbols, and concepts
Showing 61 of 61 terms
2
24-Inch Gauge
A measuring tool symbolizing the division of time: 8 hours for service to God, 8 for usual vocations, and 8 for rest.
A
Acacia
An evergreen plant symbolizing immortality and the soul's eternal nature in Masonic tradition.
All-Seeing Eye
A symbol representing the watchfulness of the Supreme Being over all creation. Reminds Masons that their actions are always observed.
Ancient Charges
Historic documents outlining the duties and regulations of Freemasons, dating back to medieval times.
B
Blue Lodge
The foundational lodge of Freemasonry that confers the three symbolic degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason.
Brother
The term Freemasons use to address or refer to each other, signifying the fraternal bond.
Brotherly Love
One of the three principal tenets of Freemasonry - treating all people with kindness and respect.
C
Cable Tow
Originally a rope used in initiation ceremonies, symbolizing the binding obligation of a Mason to his lodge and brothers.
Common Gavel
A tool used to break off the corners of rough stones, symbolizing the removal of vices from one's character.
Craft
Another name for Freemasonry, derived from the operative stonemasons who built medieval cathedrals.
D
Degree
A stage of Masonic initiation. The three Blue Lodge degrees are Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason.
DeMolay
A youth organization for young men ages 12-21, sponsored by Freemasonry.
Due Guard
A mode of recognition particular to each degree, demonstrating the obligation of that degree.
E
Entered Apprentice
The first degree of Freemasonry, representing youth and the beginning of the Masonic journey. Symbolizes moral purification.
F
Fellowcraft
The second degree of Freemasonry, representing manhood and intellectual development. Emphasizes education and the liberal arts.
Freemason
A member of the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons. Also called a Mason or Brother.
Freemasonry
The world's oldest and largest fraternity, dedicated to making good men better through moral and philosophical teachings using symbolism and allegory.
G
Grand Architect of the Universe
The Masonic term for the Supreme Being, allowing men of all faiths to worship together without specifying a particular deity.
Grand Lodge
The governing body of Freemasonry in a particular jurisdiction (usually a state or country). Each Grand Lodge is independent and sovereign.
Grand Master
The chief executive officer of a Grand Lodge, the highest-ranking Mason in a jurisdiction.
Grip
A special handshake used as a means of recognition between Masons. Also called a token.
H
Hiram Abiff
The central figure in Masonic legend, a master craftsman who worked on King Solomon's Temple. His story is central to the Master Mason degree.
I
Initiation
The ceremony of making a candidate an Entered Apprentice, the first degree of Freemasonry.
J
Job's Daughters
A Masonic youth organization for young women ages 10-20 with Masonic connections.
Junior Deacon
An officer who assists the Senior Warden and guards the inner door of the lodge.
Junior Warden
The third-ranking officer in a lodge, responsible for the welfare of the brethren, particularly during refreshment.
K
King Solomon's Temple
The biblical temple whose construction is central to Masonic symbolism and degree work.
L
Lambskin Apron
The distinctive badge of a Mason, symbolizing innocence and purity. Given to every Mason upon initiation.
Landmarks
The ancient and unchangeable principles of Freemasonry that define its essential character.
Letter G
Often displayed within the Square and Compasses, representing both Geometry (the foundation of operative masonry) and God (the Grand Architect).
Level
A working tool symbolizing equality - all Masons meet on the level regardless of social status.
Light
In Freemasonry, symbolizes knowledge, truth, and moral illumination. Candidates seek "more light" through the degrees.
Lodge
The basic organizational unit of Freemasonry where Masons meet. Also refers to the meeting room itself.
Lodge Room
The properly furnished room where lodge meetings are held, oriented with the East at the Worshipful Master's station.
M
Master Mason
The third and highest degree of Blue Lodge Freemasonry, representing maturity and wisdom. Contains the legend of Hiram Abiff.
O
Obligation
The solemn promise taken by a candidate during each degree, binding him to secrecy and fraternal duties.
Operative Masonry
The actual craft of stonemasons who built medieval cathedrals. Freemasonry evolved from their guilds.
Order of the Eastern Star
A Masonic-affiliated organization open to both men and women with Masonic connections.
P
Passing
The ceremony of advancing a Brother from the Entered Apprentice to the Fellowcraft degree.
Perfect Ashlar
A finished, polished stone symbolizing the goal of Masonic self-improvement - a perfected moral character.
Plumb
A working tool symbolizing upright conduct and moral rectitude.
Profane
A non-Mason. The term comes from Latin "pro fanum" meaning "before the temple" - someone not yet initiated.
R
Raising
The ceremony of conferring the Master Mason degree upon a candidate.
Relief
One of the three principal tenets of Freemasonry - charity and caring for those in need.
Ritual
The ceremonial forms and practices used in Masonic degree work and meetings, teaching moral lessons through allegory.
Rough Ashlar
An unfinished stone symbolizing a Mason before he begins his moral and spiritual refinement.
S
Scottish Rite
An appendant body of Freemasonry that confers additional degrees (4th-32nd) and the honorary 33rd degree.
Secretary
The lodge officer responsible for keeping records, minutes, and correspondence.
Senior Deacon
An officer who assists the Worshipful Master and introduces visitors to the lodge.
Senior Warden
The second-ranking officer in a lodge, assists the Worshipful Master and typically succeeds to that position.
Shriners
The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, a fraternity based on fun and philanthropy, famous for children's hospitals.
Sign
A gesture or movement used as a mode of recognition between Masons of the same degree.
Speculative Masonry
Modern Freemasonry, which uses the tools and language of stonemasons symbolically to teach moral lessons.
Square and Compasses
The most recognizable symbol of Freemasonry. The Square reminds Masons to act with morality; the Compasses represent keeping desires within bounds.
T
Treasurer
The lodge officer responsible for receiving and disbursing funds.
Trowel
A tool symbolizing the spreading of brotherly love and affection, the cement that unites Masons.
Truth
One of the three principal tenets of Freemasonry - honesty, integrity, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Tyler
The officer who guards the outer door of the lodge, ensuring only qualified Masons enter. Also spelled Tiler.
W
Word
A secret password associated with each degree, used for recognition and instruction.
Worshipful Master
The presiding officer of a lodge, responsible for governing the lodge and conducting meetings. "Worshipful" is an honorific meaning "worthy of respect."
Y
York Rite
An appendant body comprising Royal Arch Masonry, Cryptic Masonry, and Knights Templar.