Freemason

[ free-mey-suh n, free-mey- ]
/ ˈfriˌmeɪ sən, ˌfriˈmeɪ- /

noun

a member of a widely distributed secret order (Free and Accepted Masons), having for its object mutual assistance and the promotion of brotherly love among its members.
(lowercase) History/Historical.
  1. one of a class of skilled stoneworkers of the Middle Ages, possessing secret signs and passwords.
  2. a member of a society composed of such workers, which also included honorary members (accepted masons) not connected with the building trades.

Origin of Freemason

First recorded in 1350–1400, Freemason is from the Middle English word fremason. See free, mason

OTHER WORDS FROM Freemason

free·ma·son·ic [free-muh-son-ik] /ˌfri məˈsɒn ɪk/, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for freemasons

British Dictionary definitions for freemasons (1 of 2)

freemason
/ (ˈfriːˌmeɪsən) /

noun

medieval history a member of a guild of itinerant skilled stonemasons, who had a system of secret signs and passwords with which they recognized each other

Derived forms of freemason

freemasonic (ˌfriːməˈsɒnɪk), adjective

British Dictionary definitions for freemasons (2 of 2)

Freemason
/ (ˈfriːˌmeɪsən) /

noun

a member of the widespread secret order, constituted in London in 1717, of Free and Accepted Masons, pledged to brotherly love, faith, and charity Sometimes shortened to: Mason

Derived forms of Freemason

Freemasonic (ˌfriːməˈsɒnɪk), adjective

Cultural definitions for freemasons

Freemasons

A men's fraternal organization with some religious aspects. Freemasons claim descent from the builders of the Temple in Jerusalem (see also Jerusalem).