A
Meaning is “his father”.
In case the ballot on a petition for the degrees or for affiliation is adverse, the Master may, if he so desires, spread the ballot again to make certain no error occurred. In so doing, he should state his reason for the second spreading. The ballot shall not be spread a third time.
a distinct pressure of the thumb between the first and second joints of the hand.
a small pace
Assistant High Priest
The Lord.
Going from one degree to the next after showing proficiency in the preceding degree.
Analogy or comparison; a story told to illustrate a principle. It comes from the Greek meaning "to say something different."
An emblem reminding us that we are constantly in God's presence.
A.B.) Latin for "In the Year of the Blessing." Used by the Order of High Priesthood for dating their documents. (1930 added to the current date.)
Comes from the Latin word apprehendre meaning "to grasp, to master a thing." Hence, a learner.
The badge of a Mason. Originally among priesthoods as a badge of office and a means of ornamentation. The Masonic apron should be white lambskin, fourteen inches wide and twelve inches deep. It should be presented to the candidate at his initiation and not at some subsequent time. No substitute should be used. From the French word napron meaning "an apron of cloth." From earliest times in Persia, Egypt, India, the Jewish Essenes, the white apron was a badge of honor and candidates were invested with it, or a sash, or a robe. Its reference is to purity of heart, to innocence of conduct.
Branches of learning, as in the lecture of the F.C. degree. In E.A. degree: skills.
A block of stone from which a column, capital, or other finished product is carved or hewn.
buried in the sands of the sea at low water mark
Symbolic of systematized industry. What one may not be able to accomplish alone may be easily performed when all work together at one task.
Symbol of light; of Divine direction in the journey through life; symbolizes a true Freemason who, by perfecting himself in the way of truth (knowledge), becomes like a blazing star. In English lodges, symbolizes sun which enlightens the earth, dispensing its blessings to all mankind and giving light and life to all things.
A term which has grown into use over the years meaning the three degrees of the lodge, or Symbolic Masonry. In the early years, Master Masons wore blue lined aprons. Blue is symbolic of perfection, benevolence, truth, universal friendship, fidelity.
Comes from the Hebrew meaning "in strength." The left hand pillar that stood at the porch of King Solomon's Temple.
By drawing the hand sharply across the Throat , and dropping it to the Side
a distinct pressure of the thumb on the first joint of the hand
First and last Greek letters of the alphabet. The beginning and the end of all things; the first and the last, often mentioned in the Scriptures and in several of the Masonic degrees.
Meaning "verily, truly, certainly." One person confirms the words of another. Masonically, answered by "So mote it be."
Old, time honored.
To apply oil to, or pour oil on, particularly holy oil as a sign of elevation to kingship or consecration to priesthood. Hence, "anointed," one accepted by the Lord, as "The Lord's anointed".
One who designs buildings.
buried in the sand
Forcible ejection from membership for such reasons as un-Masonic conduct, crimes, etc. It is the most severe of Masonic penalties and deprives the person of all rights and privileges formerly enjoyed from his lodge and the Fraternity as a whole.
heart
Emblem of life. An emblem of the passage of time.
Ancient, Accepted Scottish Rite
Ancient Free & Accepted Masons
B
Apron
bare
The term is used in speaking of Masons, and in this connection is preferable to "brothers".
Columns or pillars were used to signify nobles or princes in early times; it is from such that we get the expression "pillar of the church." Masonically, the broken column refers to the fall of one of the chief supporters of the Craft; an untimely death.
C
Not regular.
Centre
cable's length from the sea
Compasses
Cable Tow
The tie by which the candidate is bound to his brethren; the length of a Mason's cable tow is the scope of his ability to go to the relief of a brother in need. In early years the distance was three miles; in present time it is usually considered about forty miles.
Masons date their official documents in a manner peculiar to themselves. The various dates for the different bodies are based on important points in history.
Candidate
A tent-like covering. "Canopy of heaven", the sky.
East: Wisdom; West: Strength; South: Beauty; North: Darkness.
Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and justice are virtues of morality as laid down by Plato. Cardinal comes from the Latin cardo meaning "chief or fundamental."
Instructions of Freemasonry.
Symbolic covering of the lodge; heavenly.
Brotherly love binds Freemasons of all countries, races and creeds in one common brotherhood.
The Mosaic Pavement.
Faith, Hope, and Charity.
Freedom, fervency, and zeal.
A document setting forth a set of granted rights and privileges given by the Grand Lodge to the constituent Lodge at the tinic of Constitution. The Master is its custodian, and must see to its security at all times. The charter must be in the Lodge room during all communications of the Lodge, preferably in the Master's charge, but it may be on the Secretary's desk, or in the archives of the Lodge. It should not be framed to hang on the wall. The request of a visitor to inspect the charter in advance be granted or refused. Should the charter be lost or destroyed, the Grand Master or Grand Secretary should be notified at once. Pending the issuing of a duplicate charter, a permission, or dispensation to continue work should be obtained from the Grand Master.
With white gloves and apron, and the jewel of his Masonic rank. Today the gloves are usually dispensed with.
From the Latin culmen meaning "a pillar to support or adorn a building." In Masonry the symbolic Significance pertains to the supports of a lodge: Wisdom, Strength and Beauty.
Represent Jachin and Boaz. While the lodge is at work the columns are erect and horizontal, respectively; while on refreshment, such positions are reversed.
The meetings of a Symbolic lodge.
D
devoid
distress
The platform, or raised floor, in the East of the lodge where the Master sits. In the lodge, the steps to this should be three. The Senior Warden's place should be raised two steps and that of the junior Warden, one step.
Symbolizes that state of ignorance before light (knowledge) is received.
Comes from the Greek diakonos meaning "messenger or waiting-man."
A release; a resignation of membership; a paper certifying a withdrawal from a lodge (or Masonic body) when in good standing. Both spellings are used, although DIMIT is peculiar to Freemasonry only. In the U.S. some jurisdictions use the former spelling, but the majority use the latter, "Dimit."
Moses built the Tabernacle due east and west and this practice was carried on by the church builders. The Freemason travels from the West to the East (light) in search of a Master from whom he may gain instruction, or light.
A Masonic body is opened or closed in "due form" when performed fully according to a prescribed ritual. Distinguished from "ample form."
A mode of recognition peculiar to Freemasons.
That the candidate is truly prepared in his heart and mind to receive further enlightenment; also, properly clothed, Masonically.
E
East
Entered Apprentice
Emulation Lodge of Improvement
entrance
ear of corn
The imaginary line followed on the earth's surface by the direct ray of the sun during the year. It niakes an angle of 23' 27' with the equator.
The word means not only to hear, but to understand and to obey.
From the Sun worshipers down through the ages, the East has always been considered the most honored place because the sun rises in the East and is the region from which light rises.
One who attempts to listen surreptitiously; literally, one standing under the eaves and thus gets only the "droppings."
A representation of an idea by a visible object; a symbolical figure or design.
symbolical, representing.
Having a border.
In Operative Masonry the apprenticeship lasted seven years; if then found acceptable, the apprentice’s name was entered on the books of the lodge and he was given a recognized place in the craft organization.
The first mathematician to systematize the science of geometry.
The examination of a brother to determine his geniuses should not aim at displaying the committee's knowledge. It is a test of the visitor. He need not be able to answer questions from the Posting Lecture. He should know the signs, grips, and words.
F
feet
Fidelity
Fellow Craft
Freemason
fall of water
Five Points of Fellowship
first real secret
The evidence of things not seen, confidence, trust.
Symbolically, the initiate is instructed that the lessons he has received are to be treasured in his heart and remembered, and not to be forgotten; that which is told in confidence will be so held.
A craftsman no longer an apprentice who has been admitted as full member, but who has not yet reached the status of a master. The fellowcraft age represents the stage of manhood.
Loyalty.
Latin motto meaning "Let there be light, and there was light."
Faithfulness.
Modes of recognition with no variation.
An oblong square or parallelogram, twice as long as wide. At the time of the Temple, the only known world was the Mediterranean Sea and the countries to the north, south and east, forming an oblong. Thus, the Freemason's lodge was the world itself.
Derived its name from the fact that it was the 47th problem in Euclid's geometry. Sometimes called problem or theorem, which are also correct. The 47th Proposition, or problem, is to prove that in a right angled triangle, the sum of the squares of the two sides is equal to the square of the hypotenuse. Masonically, it is an emblem of the arts and sciences and reminds us that next to sinfulness, the most dangerous enemy of life is ignorance.
A brotherhood, in which blood-bonds are replaced by a common devotion to a principle, code, or creed.
A free soul; one having attained mastery of himself by self discipline. It is a misconception that this refers to one not born into slavery.
The early builders in Operative Masonry times were free men, not serfs or bondsmen and were free to move from one place to another as their work demanded. Thus, they came to be called "Freemasons."
Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, Charter or Dispensation.
G
Grand and Solemn Oath
Grip
Great Grandfather of David
Great Architect of the Universe
The letter -G- is the Saxon representative of the Hebrew Yod and the Greek Tau; The initial letter of the name of the Eternal in those languages. This is so important to all Freemasons.
Derives its name from its shape-that of the gable or gavel end of a house. It is a tool used by a stonemason and resembles a hammer having a pointed end for cutting. The Working Tool gavel differs from the upright gavel, or "Hiram."
They are words for Beauty, Strength, and Wisdom (the supports of Freemasonry) are Gomer, Oz, and Dabar. The initials of these words compose the English name of the Deity.
The place where the Grand Lodge holds its communications and from which place the edicts are issued.
The Holy Bible, Square and Compasses. The Bible represents the will of God, the Square is the physical life of man and the Compasses represents the moral and spiritual life.
Every brother following his raising should be taught to start with the grip of an Entered Apprentice Mason and go through the grips, passes, and words to the Grand Masonic Word.
From the Latin guttur meaning "the throat."
H
Hiram Abif
heels
heel to heel
hand in this position with the thumb extended in the form of a square to the left of the windpipe
hoodwink
According to history, verifiable, capable of documentary proof. We also speak of traditional and legendary history, meaning popular belief, not upheld by fact.
respect, as applied to men; worship, as applied to deity.
Obligated in a degree which the Mason has not had conferred on him. To "heal" is to "make valid."
Pronounced "hail" and means to keep guarded, or secret. Sometimes spelled "hale."
Half of the earths’ surface, as the western hemisphere, the northern hemisphere.
Literally the symbols in the priestly writings of the Egyptians. Generally, a symbol or sign the meaning of which is known only to the initiated.
An upright gavel made in the form of a maul and used by a presiding officer.
Hiram, King of Tyre.
A blindfold, which is a symbol of secrecy, mystical darkness.
I
Inner Guard
Immediate Past Master
Giving or showing an example.
Giving or showing an example.
A drawing, picture, or example.
Showing by example or picture.
Without distinction between.
Jesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudworum, meaning "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."
Capable of being read or understood
J
Junior Deacon
Junior Warden
Comes from two Hebrew words meaning, "God will establish." The right hand pillar of the porch of King Solomon's Temple.
Symbol of progress from earth to heaven.
The Movable jewels are the Rough and Perfect Ashlars and the Trestle Board and are so called because they are not confined to any particular part of the lodge whereas the Immovable jewels: the Square, Level, and Plumb, have definite locations. They are called "jewels" not because of their materials, but because of their meaning. The word "jewel" comes from the Greek meaning "bright or shining."
L
left arm
light
left breast
left foot
left hand pillar
left knee
low water mark
"In all ages the Lamb has been deemed an emblem of innocence." The candidate is therefore given a white lambskin apron.
Ancient and universal customs of the Order which gradually grew into operation as rules of action.
A man of discretion.
That one has tested by trial and examination, or knows that such has been done by another.
A Lodge working under proper authority and Charter from a Grand Lodge.
According to popular belief or report, but without proof. A legend usually carries with it the idea of the miraculous.
Capable of being read.
Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music, and Astronomy.
Emblem of peace and unity.
Masonic tradition has it that the primitive, or mother, Lodge was dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and then to St. John the Evangelist, and finally to both.
That for which the Mason search is to discover the divine in himself and in the world that he might achieve mental satisfaction and ultimate happiness.
The hour of midnight; darkness is a symbol of death as well as of ignorance.
Latin meaning "Light out of darkness."
M
Master
metallic
metal
master chamber
M M - Master Mason
money
Moon
mysteries
By a Grand Master's prerogative, some constitutional requirement is set aside-usually the ballot, and a man is made a Master Mason without waiting or instruction between degrees.
The age of an Entered Apprentice is said to be three years (the symbol of peace or perfect harmony); that of a Fellowcraft, five years (the symbol of active life); and that of a Master Mason, seven years (the symbol of perfection).
The position of the sun at noon.
A hill in Jerusalem on which the Temple of Solomon was built.
Tessellated pavement or checkered floor. An inlay floor composed of black and white squares.
The method whereby the esoteric work of Freemasonry is passed on from one Mason to another, or from one Mason to the candidate who is qualified to receive such information.
Spiritual tie not easily broken; fellowship among Masons.
N
neck
North
naked left breast
Neither unclothed, or defenseless, nor clothed and self-sufficient.
Members of the Mystic Shrine.
O
of the sea
obligation
A solemn affirmation, in the name of God, that what one testifies is true.
A promise or pledge of obedience. The Mason takes an obligation, not an oath that he will not depart from the promises he makes.
A right angle with one side longer than the other.
Aloud, spoken.
The seat of the Master in the East; the Oriental Chair of King Solomon.
The Mosaic Pavement, Indented Tessel, and Blazing Star.
Name of Jebusite from whom David purchased a thresingfloor in Jerusalem in which King Solomon’s temple was built. This was previously the site of the alter.
P
proof
Poignard
point or points
pedestal
pass grip
porchway
Penal Sign
point on breast
putting the right hand on the left breast with the thumb extended in the form of a square
password
A term applied in Masonry to an officer who has held an office for the term for which he was elected, and has then retired, as Past Master, Past Senior Grand Warden.
The ceremony of installation of the presiding officer.
The ceremony of installation of the presiding officer.
Pertaini breast.
The columns before the Master and Wardens of a lodge.
Every Mason is expected to perfect or "polish" himself in building his character in order that he may become acceptable in the sight of God and be fit to take his rightful place in the finished work of Masonry.
One, which contains the constitutional number of members.
Symbolic action called for on entrance into a lodge.
A right angle with the sides equal.
The title of the ruler of ancient Egypt.
Friends of truth.
Pertaining to the planets.
An instrument for erecting perpendiculars.
The Working Tool of a Past Master; the perfect emblem of uprightness.
A ruler, sovereign, or monarch.
Signifies that, of all forms of worship, it is more acceptable to God to be pure and blameless in our inner lives than anything else.
A non-Mason, The word comes from the Latin pro meaning "before" and Janum meaning "a temple." Hence, in Masonry it means those who have not been in the Temple, that is, initiated.
Means not only proficient in the ritualistic work, but before the world in daily living.
Q
R
right arm or right angle
right hand
right hand pillar
Rest period symbolized by noon.
One working under a charter or warrant from a legal authority.
One of the Masonic penalties, which can be and is enforced to reprove.
Comes from the Latin ritualis meaning "ceremonial forms."
The unenlightened member; man in his natural state before being educated.
S
Stabbing
Secrets
Senior Deacon
Sign of Horror
Sign of Sympathy
seal it with your lips thrice.
Stranglingh
short pace
Sign
Sun
Sign of Reverence
Sign of Penality
Sign, Token and Word
Solemn oath
Square
Squares, Levels and Perpendicular.
Senior Warden
Latin for "Holy of Holies."
Masonry's only secrets are in its methods of recognition and of symbolic instructions. Its principles and aims have never been secret.
An ear of corn; a test word; a watchword; slogan.
Modes of recognition often serving as a reminder of some event or pledge.
The point in the ecliptic at which the sun is farthest from the equator (north in summer, south in winter).
During the building of King Solomon's Temple the Masons were so called.
Freemasonry in its modern acceptance; the application of the implements of Operative masonry to a system of ethics.
Symbolizes the immortality of the soul.
Officers are elected to stations and appointed to places.
A notification from the Master to appear. For its neglect, because it comes directly under the province of his obligation, a member may be disciplined and/or punished.
Temporary privation of power or rights, such as suspension for nonpayment of dues. One of the Masonic penalties.
Signifies that justice is one of the most rigorous laws and if we are unjust in our hearts, the center of our being, the inevitable result of injustice will find us out.
Signifies or represents some truth, idea or fact, but is not itself the thing it represents.
The Blazing Star in the old lectures. The star in the center represented Deity, hence, the "Symbol of Glory"
T
token
Tyler
throat cut across
tongue torn out by the root
the tide regularly ebbs and flows twice in 24 hours
Dogmas; principles, beliefs, doctrines; teachings of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. A Tenet is something obviously true; that which is universally accepted without question.
Belonging to the earth.
Checkered floor of black and white, symbolic of the triumphs and the despairs throughout life.
A Greek word signifying "four letters.' It is a name given by the Talmudists when referring to God or Jehovah.
A sign used for recognition to prove that a man is a Mason.
Or emblematic chart. Emblems used to illustrate the lectures.
According to a belief handed down from generation to generation, but not supported by any sure or exact evidence. A tradition need have nothing of the miraculous in it.
The passing over from one stage to another.
In Operative Masonry workmen traveled from one job to another and the word "traveling" came to signify a form of work. Hence, a Mason works his way toward the East (place of light) by improving himself as he progresses through life.
Emblematical of youth, manhood, and age.
The carpet or board upon which the Master inscribes the designs for guidance of the Craft. In the present day it refers to the meeting notice sent to the membership.
Are held in Masonic courts of law in which testimony is heard and the accused either found innocent or guilty.
The Working Tool of the Master Mason. Symbolically, to spread the cement of Brotherly Love to fit the capstone to complete the building.
Artificer in brass and iron. The first Master Craftsman, son of Lamech and Zillah. See Genesis IV:22.
City of Sidonian Empire, which is only 120 miles by sea from Jerusalem. King Hiram or Tyre provided materials for the building of the Temple.
Conduct of a Mason, which violates the laws of the Craft and his obligation thereto.
U
V
Volume of Sacred Law
valuble
To visit a lodge outside of your "regular" lodge. Visitation Is a privilege and not a right.
A brother cannot vouch for the Masonic standing of a brother unless he has sat with him in a Masonic Lodge. Knowledge of his standing or membership in a body requiring Masonic membership as a prerequisite is not grounds for avouchment.
Empty.
W
Worshipful Master
Word
Wes
At the beginning of the opening ceremonies both columns are down, The Senior Warden's column is elevated down when the WM declares the Lodge open. It is lowered when the Master declares the Lodge called from labor to refreshment, or when, ill the closing ceremonies. The Junior Warden's column is elevated up, when the Lodge is at refreshment. It is raised at the moment when the Master declares the Lodge at refreshment, and is lowered when he calls the Lodge to labor. The Senior Warden's column is lowered and raised at the same times.
working tools
Symbolizing the fruits of a man's labors in Masonic work.
Is one, which tries a man's soul. He must approach it with faith believing that there is a top, that by a long and arduous climb he will reach a Middle Chamber. A place of light,
The plumb line.
Title of honor and respect.
That by his character and moral living, the candidate is worthy to be a member.
X
Y
Your throat cut across
While the civil calendar reckons from the Year of our Lord and is designated A.D., the Masonic calendar dates from the year when God said, "Let there be Light," and is designated A. L.
