Definition

1. Noun:
   • A craftsman who works with stone or brick: A person whose trade is building with or shaping stone, brick, or similar materials.
   • (Mason) A Freemason: A member of the widespread and historically secret fraternal order of Free and Accepted Masons, an organization pledged to mutual assistance and brotherly love.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Craftsman):
  • The mason carefully laid each brick to build the wall.
  • We hired a skilled mason to restore the old stone fireplace.
• Noun (Freemason):
  • He became a Mason after being initiated into the local lodge.
  • The Mason attended the fraternity's annual meeting.

Advanced Usage

• "Mason's mark": A unique symbol carved by a stonemason on a block of stone to identify their work.
  • Historians study masons' marks to learn about the builders of medieval cathedrals.
• "Masonic lodge": The meeting place or local chapter of Freemasons.
  • The ceremony was held at the Masonic lodge downtown.

Variants and Related Words

• Masonry (n):
  • The stonework or brickwork built by a mason.

    • The old building is noted for its fine masonry.
  • The profession or work of a mason.

    • He learned the trade of masonry from his father.
  • Freemasonry as an institution.

    • He has studied the history of Masonry for years.
• Stonemason (n): A mason who works specifically with stone.
  • The stonemason carved intricate designs into the granite.

Synonyms

• Bricklayer: A craftsman who lays bricks. (Specific to brickwork)
• Stoneworker: A person who works with stone.
• Freemason: A member of the fraternal order. (Synonymous with the capitalized "Mason")

Different Meanings (Proper Nouns)

• James Mason: English film actor (1909-1984).
  • James Mason starred in 'A Star is Born'.
• George Mason: American Revolutionary leader from Virginia (1725-1792).
  • George Mason's principles influenced the U.S. Bill of Rights.
• A. E. W. Mason: English writer (1865-1948).
  • A. E. W. Mason is the author of 'The Four Feathers'.

Noun

1. a member of a widespread secret fraternal order pledged to mutual assistance and brotherly love
2. a craftsman who works with stone or brick
3. English writer (1865-1948)
4. English film actor (1909-1984)
5. American Revolutionary leader from Virginia whose objections led to the drafting of the Bill of Rights (1725-1792)