Masonic Glossary and Abbreviations

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2B1Ask1
To be One (a mason) Ask One
47TH PROPOSITION OF EUCLID
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
A.E.A.O.N.M.S
Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine
AASR
Ancient, Accepted Scottish Rite
ABIF
“His Father” or “My Father”.
ADONAI
The Lord.
ADVANCE
Going from one degree to the next after showing proficiency in the preceding degree.
ADVERSE BALLOT
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.
AF&AM
Ancient Free & Accepted Masons
AGREEABLY
In conformity with.
ALL SEEING-EYE
An emblem reminding us that we are constantly in God’s presence.
ALLEGORICAL
An allegory is a story told through symbols, or an idea so expressed.
ALLEGORY
Analogy or comparison; a story told to illustrate a principle. It comes from the Greek meaning “to say something different.”
ALPHA and OMEGA
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.
AMEN
From the Hebrew meaning “verily, truly, certainly.” One person confirms the words of another. Masonically, answered by “So mote it be.”
ANCIENT
Old, time honored.
ANNO BENEFACIO (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.)
ANNO DEPOSITIONIS (A. Dep.)
Latin for “In the Year of the Deposit. “The Cryptic Masonic date designation. (Add 1000 to the current date.)
ANNO DOMINI (A.D.)
Latin for “Year of our Lord.”
ANNO INVENTIONIS (A.I.)
Latin meaning “In the Year of Discovery.” The Royal Arch date designation. (Add 530 to the current date.)
ANNO LUCIS (A.L.)
Latin mean­ing “In the Year of Light, “the date used by Ancient Craft Masonry. (Add 4000 to the current date.)
ANNO MUNDI (A.M.)
Latin meaning “In the Year of the World.” The date used by the Scottish Rite. (Add 3760 to the current year until Septem­ber; if after September, add 3761.
ANNO ORDINIS (A.O.)
Latin meaning “In the Year of the Order.” The date used by the Knights Templar. (Subtract 1118 from the current date.)
ANOINT
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”. Comes from the custom of the Egyptians and Jews.
APPRENTICE
Comes from the Latin word apprehender meaning “to grasp, to master a thing”. Hence, a learner.
APRON
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.
ARCHITECT
One who designs buildings.
ARCHITECTURE
The art or science of building.
ARCHIVES
A place for the safe keeping of records; the records themselves.
ARTIFICER
A craftsman or skilled laborer.
ARTS
Branches of learning, as in the lecture of the F.C. degree. In E.A. degree: skills.
ASHLAR
A stone as taken from the quarry; an unpolished stone.
ATHEIST
One who does not believe in God.

B
BEEHIVE
Symbolic of systematized industry. What one may not be able to accomplish alone may be easily performed when all work together at one task.
BLAZING STAR
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.
BLUE LODGE
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.
BOAZ
Comes from the Hebrew meaning “in strength.” The left-hand pillar that stood at the porch of King Solomon’s Temple.
BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS
An emblem of law signifying that our moral and spiritual character is grounded in law and order and that no man can live a satisfying life who lives lawlessly.
BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS GUARDED BY THE TYLER’S SWORD
An admonishment to the Mason that he should be guarded in his words and actions, obedience to the law.
BOOK OF THE LAW
The sacred book which reveals the will of God. To Christians, the Bible; to the Brahman, the Vedas, etc.
BRETHREN
The term is used in speaking of Masons, and in this connection is preferable to “brothers and sisters.”
Bro
Brother
C
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.
CALENDAR, MASONIC
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.
CANOPY
A tent-like covering. “Canopy of heaven”, the sky.
CARDINAL POINTS
East: Wisdom; West: Strength; South: Beauty; North: Darkness.
CARDINAL VIRTUES
Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice are virtues of morality as laid down by Plato. Cardinal comes from the Latin cardo meaning “chief or fundamental”.
CATECHISM
Instructions of Freemasonry.
CELESTIAL CANOPY
Symbolic covering of the lodge; heavenly.
CEMENT
Brotherly love binds Freemasons of all coun­tries, races and creeds in one common brotherhood.
CHALK, CHARCOAL, AND CLAY
Freedom, Fervency, and Zeal.
CHAPITERS
The ornamental tops or capitals of Pillars.
CHARTER
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.
CHASTEN
To correct by discipline.
CHECKERED FLOOR
The Mosaic Pavement.
CHRISTIAN VIRTUES
Faith, Hope, and Charity.
CIRCLE
A figure which has neither beginning nor end and symbolizes eternity, the Universe.
CIRCUMSCRIBED
Literally encircled hence limited.
CIRCURNAMBULATION
The movement is in imitation of the apparent course of the Sun, and so is in the form of an ellipse.  After the obligation the Senior Deacon with the candidate should make all turns square.
CLANDESTINE
Not Regular.
CLOTHED, PROPERLY
With white gloves and apron, and the jewel of his Masonic rank.
COLUMNS
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.
COMMUNICATIONS
The meetings of a Symbolic Lodge.
COMPASS
A mathematical instrument for dividing and drawing circles; an instrument indicating the magnetic meridian.
COMPASSES
One of the Working Tools. Freemasons have adopted the plural spelling to distinguish it from the Magnetic Compass.
CORN, WINE, AND OIL
Three elements of consecration. In ancient times these were regarded as the basic commodities for the support of life and constituted the wealth of the people.  The Hebrew word for corn means “to be increased or to multiply”.
CORNICE
The ornamented slab placed above the capital of a pillar, and extending beyond it.
CORNUCOPIA
The horn of plenty; a symbol of abundance.
COWANS
Profanes, Pretenders, Intruders, particularly those seeking to obtain the secrets of Masonry unlawfully.
D
DAIS
The platform, or raised floor, in the East of the Lodge where the W. 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. 
DARKNESS
Symbolizes that state of ignorance before light (knowledge) is received. 

DC
Director of Ceremonies
DDGL
District Deputy Grand Lecturer
DDGM
District Deputy Grand Master
DEACON
Comes from the Greek diakonos meaning “messenger or waiting-man”.
DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THE HOLY SAINTS JOHN
Dedication is a less sacred ceremony than consecration. Hence, Lodges are consecrated to God but dedicated to patrons of the Fraternity.
DEMIT or DIMIT
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.”
DESTITUTE
Lacking means, as without money or food.
DGCHAP
Deputy Grand Chaplain
DGDC
Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies
DGIW
Deputy Grand Inspector of Workings (Work)
DGM
Deputy Grand Master
DGZ
Deputy Grand Zerubbabel (First Grand Principal)
DH
Droit Humain
DIGEST
Book of Laws of a Grand Lodge in the U.S.; sometimes called The Code.
DISPENSATION
Permission to do that which would be forbidden otherwise.
DISTRESS
Physical or mental anguish. A brother in distress does not necessarily mean that he is without funds.
DOTAGE
An advanced age when the mind is no longer able to comprehend clearly.
DUE EAST AND WEST
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.
DUE FORM
A Masonic body is opened or closed in “due form” when performed fully according to a prescribed ritual. Distinguished from “ample form.”
DUE GUARD
A mode of recognition peculiar to Freemasons.
DULY AND TRULY PREPARED
That the candidate is truly prepared in his heart and mind to receive further enlightenment; also, properly clothed, Masonically.
E
EA
Entered Apprentice
EAR, THE ATTENTIVE OR LISTENING
The Hebrew word means not only to hear, but to understand and to obey.
EAST
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.
EAVESDROPPER
One who attempts to listen surreptitiously; literally, one standing under the eaves and thus gets only the “droppings.”
ECLIPTIC
The imaginary line followed on the earth’s surface by the direct ray of the sun during the year. It makes an angle of 23′ 27′ with the equator.
EMBLEM
A representation of an idea by a visible object; a symbolical figure or design.
EMBLEMATICAL
Symbolical, representing.
EMBROIDERED
Having a border.
ENTERED APPRENTICE
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.
EUCLID
The first mathematician to Systematize the science of geometry.
EXAMINATION
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.
EXPULSION
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.
F
F&AM, FAAM
Free & Accepted Masons
FAITH
The evidence of things not seen; confidence; trust.
FAITHFUL BREAST
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.
FC
Fellowcraft or Fellow Craft
FEALTY
Loyalty.
FELLOWCRAFT
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.
FIAT LUX ET LUX FIT
Latin motto meaning “Let there be light, and there was light.”
FIDELITY
Faithfulness.
FIRST LANDMARKS OF MASONRY
Modes of recognition with no variation.
FORM OF A LODGE
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.
FPOF
Five Points of Fellowship
FRATERNITY
A brotherhood, in which blood-bonds are replaced by a common devotion to a principle, code, or creed.
FREE BORN
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.
FREEMASONS
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.”
FURNISHINGS OF A LODGE
Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, Charter or Dispensation.
G
G
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. It stands not only for God, but for Geometry, that science so important to all Freemasons.
G.A.O.T.U.
Grand Architect of the Universe.
GAOTU
Great Architect of the Universe
GAVEL
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”.
GJD
Grand Junior Deacon
GJS
Grand Junior Steward
GJW
Grand Junior Warden
GLF, GLoF, GLdF
Grand Lodge of France
GLFF
Feminine Grand Lodge of France
GLNF
National Grand Lodge of France (Grand Loge Nationale Francais)
GM
Grand Master
GOD
The Hebrew 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.
GOF
Grand Orient of France
GRAND EAST
The place where the Grand Lodge holds its communications and from which place the edicts are issued.
GREAT LIGHTS
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.
GRIPS
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.
GS or GSec
Grand Secretary
GSD
Grand Senior Deacon
GSS
Grand Senior Steward
GSW
Grand Senior Warden
GUILD (GILD) MASONS. GUTTURAL
From the Latin guttur meaning “the throat.”
H
H.K.T
Hiram, King of Tyre.
HA
Hiram Abif or Abiff
HEALED
Obligated in a degree which the Mason has not had conferred on him. To “heal” is to “make valid.”
HELE
Pronounced “hail” and means to keep guarded, or secret. Sometimes spelled “hale.”
HEMISPHERE
Half of the earth’s surface, as the western hemisphere, the northern hemisphere.
HIEROGLYPHICS
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.
HIRAM
An upright gavel made in the form of a maul and used by a presiding officer.
HISTORICAL
According to history, verifiable, capable of documentary proof.  We also speak of traditional and legendary history, meaning popular belief, not upheld by fact.
HOMAGE
Respect, as applied to men; Worship, as applied to deity.
HOODWINK
A blindfold which is a symbol of secrecy; mystical darkness.
HOUR GLASS
An Emblem of life. An Emblem of the passage of time.
I
I.N.R.I
Jesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudworum, meaning “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
IGH
Inspector General Honorary (33rd degree)
ILL. OR ILLUSTRIOUS
A title used in addressing members of the 33rd.
ILLUSTRATE
Giving or showing an example.
ILLUSTRATION
A drawing, picture, or example.
ILLUSTRATIVE
Showing by example or picture.
INDISCRIMINATELY
Without distinction between.
INTELLIGIBLE
Capable of being read or understood
IPR
Initiation, Passing, and Raising
J
JACHIN
Comes from two Hebrew words meaning “God will establish.” The right-hand pillar of the porch of King Solomon’s Temple.
JACOB’S LADDER
Symbol of progress from earth to heaven.
JEWELS, MOVABLE AND IMMOVABLE
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.”
K
KORAN, THE
The Sacred Volume of Mohammedan Law.
L
LAMB
“In all ages the Lamb has been deemed an emblem of innocence.” The candidate is therefore given a white lambskin apron.
LANDMARKS
Ancient and universal customs of the Order which gradually grew into operation as rules of action.
LAWFUL AGE
A man of discretion.
LAWFUL INFORMATION
That one has tested by trial and examination, or knows that such has been done by another.
LDH
Le Droit Humain
LEGALLY CONSTITUTED
A Lodge working under proper authority and Charter from a Grand Lodge.
LEGENDARY
According to popular belief or report, but without proof. A legend usually carries with it the idea of the miraculous.
LEGIBLE
Capable of being read.
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music, and Astronomy.
LILY-WORK
Emblem of peace and unity.
LODGE OF THE HOLY SAINTS JOHN OF JERUSALEM and LODGE OF ST. JOHN
Masonic tradition has it that the primitive, or mother. Lodge was held at Jerusalem and dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and then to St. John the Evangelist, and finally to both. This Lodge was therefore called “The Lodge of the Holy Saints John of Jerusalem.” From this Lodge all other Lodges are supposed, figuratively, to descend.
LOST WORD
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.
LOW TWELVE
The hour of midnight; darkness is a symbol of death as well as of ignorance.
LUX E TENEBRIS
Latin meaning “Light out of darkness.”
M
M&M
Memphis & Misraim
MAKING A MASON “AT SIGHT”
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.
MASONIC AGES
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).
MC
Master of Ceremonies, Middle Chamber
MERIDIAN
The position of the sun at noon.
MGMB
Making Good Men Better
MORIAH
A hill in Jerusalem on which the Temple of Solomon was built.
MOS
Moment of Silence
MOSAIC PAVEMENT
Tessellated pavement or checkered floor. An inlay floor composed of black and white squares.
MOUTH TO EAR
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.
MW
Most Worshipful
MWB
Most Worshipful Brother
MWGM
Most Worshipful Grand Master
MWM
Most Worshipful Master
MYSTIC TIE
Spiritual tie not easily broken; fellowship among Masons.
N
NEITHER NAKED NOR CLOTHED
Neither unclothed, or defenseless, nor clothed and self-sufficient.
NOBLES
Members of the Mystic Shrine.
O
OATH
A solemn affirmation, in the name of God, that what one testifies is true.
OBLIGATION
A promise or pledge of obedience. The Mason takes an obligation, not an oath, that he will not depart from the promises he makes.
OBLONG SQUARE
A right angle with one side longer than the other.
ORALLY
Aloud, spoken.
ORIENTAL CHAIR
The seat of the Master in the East; the Oriental Chair of King Solomon.
ORNAMENTS OF A LODGE
The Mosaic Pavement, Indented Tessel, and Blazing Star.
ORNAN
Name of Jebusite from whom David purchased a thresing floor in Jerusalem in which King Solomon’s temple was built.  This was previously the site of the alter.
P
PASSING THE CHAIR
The ceremony of installation of the presiding officer.
PAST
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.
PDGM
Past District Grand Master
PDM
Past District Master
PECTORAL
Pertaini breast.
PEDESTALS
The columns before the Master and Wardens of a lodge.
PERFECT AHSLAR
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.
PERFECT LODGE
One which contains the constitutional number of members.
PERFECT POINTS OF ENTRANCE
Symbolic action called for on entrance into a lodge. 
PERFECT SQUARE
A right angle with the sides equal.
PGM
Past Grand Master
PHARAOH
The title of the ruler of ancient Egypt.
PHILALETHES:
Friends of truth.
PLANETARY
Pertaining to the planets.
PLUMB
An instrument for erecting perpendiculars.
PLUMB LINE
The Working Tool of a Past Master; the perfect emblem of uprightness.
POT OF INCENSE
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.
POTENTATE
A ruler, sovereign, or monarch.
PROFANE
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.
PROFICIENT
Means not only proficient in the ritualistic work, but before the world in daily living.
PW
Password
Q
R
RA
Royal Arch
REAA, AASR
Rite Ecossais Ancien, Accepte – (Ancient, Accepted Scottish Rite)
REFRESHMENT
Rest period symbolized by noon.
REGULAR LODGE
One working under a charter or warrant from a legal authority.
REPRIMAND
One of the Masonic penalties which can be and is enforced to reprove.
RER
Rite Ecossais Rectifie (Scottish Rectified Rite)
RF
Rite Français (French Rite)
RITUAL
Comes from the Latin ritualis meaning “ceremonial forms.”
ROUGH ASHLAR
The unenlightened member; man in his natural state before being educated.
S
S&C
Square and Compasses (or Compass)
S&F
Sincerely & Fraternally
SANCTUM SANCTORUM
Latin for “Holy of Holies.”
SECRETS
Masonry’s only secrets are in its methods of recognition and of symbolic instructions. Its principles and aims have never been secret.
SGC
Sovereign Grand Commander (Scottish Rite)
SGD
Senior Grand Deacon
SGIG
Sovereign Grand Inspector General (Scottish Rite)
SGS
Senior Grand Steward
SGW
Senior Grand Warden
SHIBBOLETH
An ear of corn; a test word; a watchword; slogan.
SIGNS, MASONIC
Modes of recognition often serving as a reminder of some event or pledge.
SMC
Senior Master of Ceremonies
SMIB
So Mote It Be
SOLSTICE
The point in the ecliptic at which the sun is farthest from the equator (north in summer, south in winter).
SONS OF LIGHT
During the building of King Solomon’s Temple the Masons were so called.
SPECULATIVE MASONRY
Freemasonry in its modern acceptance; the application of the implements of Operative masonry to a system of ethics.
SPRIG OF ACACIA
Symbolizes the immortality of the soul.
SS
Senior Steward
STATIONS AND PLACES
Officers are elected to stations and appointed to places.
SUMMONS
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.
SUSPENSION
Temporary privation of power or rights, such as suspension for nonpayment of dues. One of the Masonic penalties.
SW
Senior Warden
SWORD POINTING TO THE NAKED HEART
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.
SYMBOL
Signifies or represents some truth, idea or fact, but is not itself the thing it represents.
SYMBOL OF GLORY
The Blazing Star in the old lectures. The star in the center represented Deity, hence, the “Symbol of Glory.”
T
TCF
Tres Cher Frere (Very Dear Brother)
TENETS OF FREEMASONRY
Dogmas; principles, beliefs, doctrines; teachings of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. A Tenet is something obviously true; that which is universally accepted without question.
TERRESTRIAL
Belonging to the earth.
TESSELLATED PAVEMENT
Checkered floor of black and white, symbolic of the triumphs and the despairs throughout life.
TETRAGRAMMATON
A Greek word signifying “four letters.’ It is a name given by the Talmudists when referring to God or Jehovah.
THREE STEPS
Emblematical of youth, manhood, and age.
TO THAT UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY FROM WHOSE BOURNE NO TRAVELER RETURNS
Comes from Shakespeare’s Hamlet (Act III, Scene 1).
TOKEN, MASONIC
A sign used for recognition to prove that a man is a Mason.
TRACING BOARD
Or emblematic chart. Emblems used to illustrate the lectures.
TRADITIONAL
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.
TRANSITION
The passing over from one stage to another.
TRAVELING FROM WEST TO EAST
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.
TRESTLE BOARD
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.
TRIALS, MASONIC
Are held in Masonic courts of law in which testimony is heard and the accused either found innocent or guilty.
TROWEL
The Working Tool of the Master Mason. Symbolically, to spread the cement of Brotherly Love to fit the capstone to complete the building.
TUBAL CAIN
Artificer in brass and iron. The first Master Craftsman, son of Lamech and Zillah. See Genesis IV:22.
Ty
Tyler
TYRE
City of Sidonian Empire. King Hiram or Tyre provided materials for the building of the Temple.
U
UD
Under Dispensation
UGLE
United Grand Lodge of England
UN-MASONIC CONDUCT
Conduct of a Mason which violates the laws of the Craft and his obligation thereto.
V
V.S.L
Volume of the Sacred Law.
VISITING
To visit a lodge outside of your “Regular” Lodge.  Visitation Is a privilege and not a right.
VOID
Empty.
VOUCHING
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.
VSL
Volume of Sacred Law
VW
Very Worshipful
W
WAGES, A MASTER’S
Symbolizing the fruits of a man’s labors in Masonic work.
WARDENS COLUMNS
In the Emulation Rite, and 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 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.
WB
Worshipful Brother
WINDING STAIRS
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,
WM
Worshipful Master
Wor
Worshipful
WORKING TOOL OF A PAST MASTER
The plumb line.
WORSHIPFUL
Title of honor and respect.
WORTHY AND WELL QUALIFIED
That by his character and moral living, the candidate is worthy to be a member.
X
Y
YEAR, MASONIC
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
YOD
The tenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
YORK RITE
The degrees of the lodge, chapter, council, and commandery.
Z
ZEAL
Intensity of purpose and of earnestness.
ZEND-AVESTA
The Persian Volume of the Sacred Law.
ZENITH
The point in heavens directly over head of the spectator; great height.
ZION
The mountain or hill in Palestine on which Jerusalem was built.