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Entries linking to freemasonry
freemason (n.)late 14c., originally a traveling guild of masons with a secret code; in the early 17c. they began accepting honorary members and teaching them the secrets and lore, which was continued into or revived in the 17th century and by 1717 had developed into the secret fraternity of affiliated lodges known as Free and Accepted Masons (commonly abbreviated F. and A. M.). The accepted refers to persons admitted to the society but not belonging to the craft.
The exact origin of the free- is a subject of dispute. Some [such as Klein] see a corruption of French frère "brother," from frèremaçon "brother mason;" others say it was because the masons worked on "free-standing" stones; still others see them as "free" from the control of local guilds or lords [OED]. Related: freemasonic.
The exact origin of the free- is a subject of dispute. Some [such as Klein] see a corruption of French frère "brother," from frèremaçon "brother mason;" others say it was because the masons worked on "free-standing" stones; still others see them as "free" from the control of local guilds or lords [OED]. Related: freemasonic.
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Definitions of freemasonry
1
freemasonry (n.)
a natural or instinctive fellowship between people of similar interests;
he enjoyed the freemasonry of the Press
2
Freemasonry (n.)
Freemasons collectively;
Synonyms: Masonry
Dictionary entries near freemasonry
free-liver
freeloader
freely
freeman
freemason
freemasonry
freeness
freer
free-range
free-soil
free-spirited
