Origins of some words taken from Freemasonry

Here are 10 words commonly used in everyday English that have origins or strong associations with Freemasonry — though most people use them now without realizing their Masonic roots:

1. Cornerstone – In Freemasonry, the cornerstone represents the foundation of moral and spiritual life; today it means the essential starting point of any project.

2. Level – Symbolizes equality and fairness among Masons; we use it to mean being honest or “on the level.”

3. Plumb – A tool symbolizing uprightness and integrity; in modern language, it means something perfectly vertical or morally straight (“plumb true”).

4. Square – Represents morality and virtue (“acting on the square”); today it also means honest or fair-dealing, or even a geometric shape.

5. Light – In Masonry, “light” stands for knowledge and enlightenment; we still say “to shed light on something” when we mean to bring understanding.

6. Lodge – The Masonic meeting place; now used broadly for small cabins or temporary accommodations.

7. Apprentice – The first degree of Masonry, symbolizing learning and humility; in everyday use, a beginner learning a trade.

8. Cable-tow – A symbolic rope representing the Mason’s duty and connection to others; the phrase “within one’s cable-tow” evolved into meaning within one’s power or reach.

9. Rite – Refers to ceremonial or ritual practice; Masons have distinct “rites” such as the Scottish Rite — we still use it for formal ceremonies.

10. Temple – The sacred meeting place or structure symbolizing spiritual building; today it’s used for religious buildings or even metaphorically (“a temple of knowledge”).

Here are 10 common phrases or expressions from everyday English that trace their origins — fully or in part — to Freemasonry:

1. “On the level” – Originally meant to act honestly and fairly among Masons, symbolizing equality. Now it means being truthful or straightforward.

2. “On the square” – A Mason who behaves morally and justly; in modern speech, it means honest, fair, or reliable.

3. “Blackballed” – In Masonic voting, a single black ball meant rejection. Today, to be blackballed means to be excluded or ostracized.

4. “Third degree” – Refers to the Master Mason’s degree, the highest in traditional Freemasonry. Now, to “give someone the third degree” means to subject them to intense questioning.

5. “Hoodwinked” – A Masonic initiate is blindfolded (hoodwinked) during part of the ceremony to symbolize ignorance before enlightenment. Now it means being deceived or tricked.

6. “Meeting on the level and parting on the square” – A Masonic expression of fellowship and honesty. Fragments of this idea survive in the sayings “on the level” and “on the square.”

7. “Making the cut” – Comes from the Mason’s use of cutting stone to precise measurements; figuratively now means meeting a required standard.

8. “Tracing board” – A Masonic teaching tool of symbols and lessons; the idea evolved into using “blueprints” or “roadmaps” for plans and strategies.

9. “Set in stone” – Literally refers to a Mason’s craftwork being permanent once carved; now means something fixed or unchangeable.

10. “To give light” – In Freemasonry, it means to enlighten or initiate someone into knowledge. In daily life, we say “shed light on” or “give light to” when explaining something clearly.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model