Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member of a widespread secret fraternal order pledged to mutual assistance and brotherly love: A "freemason" is a person who belongs to Freemasonry, a fraternal organization with a long history, known for its secretive nature, rituals, and emphasis on moral and spiritual values, charity, and fellowship among its members.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He discovered that his grandfather had been a freemason for over fifty years.
  • The charity event was organized by local freemasons.

Advanced Usage

• "Freemason" as a proper noun: When referring to the organization as a whole, it is often capitalized as "Freemasonry" or "the Freemasons." The term "freemason" (lowercase) typically refers to an individual member.
  • The principles of Freemasonry have been debated for centuries.
• Historical context: The term originally referred to medieval stonemasons but evolved to describe the members of the modern speculative fraternity.

Variants and Related Words

• Freemasonry (n): The institutions, practices, and body of members of the fraternal order.
  • He studied the history of Freemasonry.
• Masonic (adj): Pertaining to Freemasons or Freemasonry.
  • They met in the Masonic lodge.

Synonyms

• Brother: A term often used by Freemasons to address each other, emphasizing fraternity.
• Lodge member: A member of a local chapter (a lodge) of Freemasons.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To be on the level: An idiom meaning to be honest and straightforward, sometimes associated with Masonic symbolism involving the level, a stonemason's tool.
  • You can trust him; he's on the level.
• Lodge brother: A fellow member of the same Masonic lodge.
  • He introduced me to his lodge brother.

Noun

1. a member of a widespread secret fraternal order pledged to mutual assistance and brotherly love