Masonic Terminology

Belonging to, or connected with, as a rightful part or attribute; relating to.

The perfect ashlar is a stone being a true square, which can only be tried by the square and compasses.  This symbolically represents the mind of a man at the close of life, after a well-regulated career of piety and virtue.

A stone in its natural state, as taken from the quarry, before it has been made perfect by the hands of the Craft. It symbolizes Man in his imperfect and natural form.

Told; ordered; requested; directed.

A rope used in Masonry to symbolically bind; originally a particularly strong rope.

A maritime unit of length; about 100 fathoms, or 600 feet.

Of basic importance; main; primary; essential; principal.

To draw a line around; to limit in range of activity definitely and clearly.

Looking around; carefulness in considering all circumstances and possible consequences.

Covered or clothed.

An intruder or one who accidentally enters where he is not wanted. This is not to be confused with the word eavesdropper or one who deliberately tries to overhear and see what is not meant for his eyes and ears.

To deprive or take away from; to undress or remove clothing, ornaments, or equipment.

Proper; according to accepted standards or procedures.

One who deliberately tries to overhear and see what is not meant for his eyes and ears. 

To cut figures or letters into wood or metal.

To avoid committing oneself to what one says; uncertainty; uncertain or questioning disposition of mind.

To produce as a pattern on a hard surface by eating into the material’s surface as with acid or a laser beam.

A member of a group having common characteristics; an associate; an equal in rank or power or character.

A festive board is an occasion for Freemasons to get together around a table or banquet for the purpose of socializing, sharing in fellowship, and masonic education.

Strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger, or bear pain or adversity, with courage.

Of, or having to do with, or involving, the throat.

To hide or conceal; to cover; to keep out of view. Sometimes spelled HAIL or HALE.

A blindfold; to be blindfolded.

That which lies beyond death; heaven; the world of spiritual truth (II Corinthians 5:1).

Extending or existing since beyond the reach of memory.

To write down; to put down in writing.

Of, or relating to, initiation; the process of becoming a part of a group or organization’s traditions.

A new undertaking; the beginning of a new approach or perspective on one’s life.

Belonging to a thing by its very nature; the essential nature or constitution of a thing; inherent; in and of itself.

To give; to furnish; to clothe.

Not broken or disregarded; not told to others; respected.

The introduction of Jacob’s ladder into the symbolism of Speculative Masonry is to be traced to the vision of Jacob, which can be found in the 28th chapter of the book of Genesis. In Freemasonry, it symbolizes progress. Its three principal rounds representing Faith, Hope and Charity, present us with the means of advancing from earth to heaven, from death to life and from mortal to immortality.  Hence its foot is placed on the ground-floor of the Lodge, which is typical of the world, and its top rests on the covering of the Lodge, which is symbolic of heaven.

Symbolic of knowledge and understanding in Masonry and most traditional societies.

Having to do with, or involving, the hands.

The process of experiencing the Masonic tradition, becoming a part of it, and improving oneself through its lessons and taking those lessons out into the world to demonstrate the values of Freemasonry to others. An ever-continuing process of moral, ethical, spiritual, and intellectual formation or growth that all Freemasons should continuously undergo.

The modern meaning of the term “mystery” means something unknown; to the ancients mystery meant something divine, deeply profound, and worth knowing.

Great emotion; the emotions as distinguished from reason; powerful or compelling feelings or desires.

In, on, or of, the chest.

Of, or relating to, the foot or feet.

A principle or instruction intended especially as a general rule of action.

In Freemasonry, this refers to one who has not been initiated into the mysteries of the craft.

The ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason; skill and good judgment in the management of affairs or the use of resources; caution or circumspection as to danger or risk.

This term is closely linked with the term “tradition” and denotes the continuous performance or preservation of something sacred associated with the divine.

Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist, the two ancient patron saints of Freemasonry.

Wearing footgear; with shoes on.

Constant in feeling, principle, purpose, or attachment; dependable; firm in intent showing little variation or fluctuation; unwavering; resolute.

To bring under control, especially by an exertion of the will; to reduce the intensity or degree of; tone down.

Excess; unnecessary; immoderate, especially living habits or desires.

Exceeding what is needed; excess; unnecessary.

Symbolism in Freemasonry relates to the philosophical understanding derived from perceiving the proper relationship between man and the world around him.