Freemasons
Square and compass
Freemasons are members of a fraternal organization with roots in medieval stonemasons' guilds.
The group uses rituals, symbols, and degrees of membership, emphasizing moral philosophy and mutual aid.
Freemasonry has attracted conspiracy theories about secret influence, partly because of its private ceremonies and historically prominent members.
Also called Masons: His grandfather was a Freemason. (Lowercase freemason originally meant a skilled stoneworker.)
Kinship among men
- lodgeTemporary woodland dwelling
- fellowshipMutual goodwill among companions
- orderMethodical arrangement or request
- chapterDivision of a book
brethren · initiate · membership · affiliation · camaraderie · kinship · bonding · allegiance
Load-bearing vertical structures
- acaciaThorny warm-climate shrub
- trowelFlat blade for spreading
- gavelSmall ceremonial hammer
- plumbExactly vertical or true
level · beehive · anchor · ark · hourglass · scythe · skull · sprig
Formal admission ceremony
- degreeUnit of measurement
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- ritesFormal ceremonial acts
- obligationRequired task or commitment
oath · raising · passing · hoodwink · circumambulation · grip · token · password
Concealed from authorities
- crypticObscure in meaning
- esotericAccessible to few
- hiddenKept out of sight
- veiledConcealed or obscured
discreet · confidential · mystery · concealed · guarded · private · cipher · handshake
Workers who cut rock
- enlightenmentProfound spiritual awakening
- operativeCovert field agent
- speculativeBased on conjecture
Sacred worship structure
- cornerstoneFoundational building block
- edificeLarge impressive building
- columnVertical structural element
- keystoneArch's central locking stone
arch · portico · dome · east · west · altar · throne · pedestals
Voluntary aid for others
- benevolenceDisposition toward doing good
- reliefEasing of distress
- endowmentPermanent donated fund
- scholarshipsFunds awarded for study
almsgiving · donations · fundraising · outreach · welfare · support · giving
brotherhood
Kinship among men
- lodgeTemporary woodland dwelling
- fellowshipMutual goodwill among companions
- orderMethodical arrangement or request
chapter · brethren · initiate · membership · affiliation · camaraderie · kinship · bonding · allegiance · solidarity
pillars
Load-bearing vertical structures
plumb · level · beehive · anchor · ark · hourglass · scythe · skull · sprig
initiation
Formal admission ceremony
obligation · oath · raising · passing · hoodwink · circumambulation · grip · token · password · floorwork
clandestine
Concealed from authorities
veiled · discreet · confidential · mystery · concealed · guarded · private · cipher · handshake · recognition
stonemasons
Workers who cut rock
- enlightenmentProfound spiritual awakening
- operativeCovert field agent
- speculativeBased on conjecture
temple
Sacred worship structure
- cornerstoneFoundational building block
- edificeLarge impressive building
- columnVertical structural element
keystone · arch · portico · dome · east · west · altar · throne · pedestals · canopy
charity
Voluntary aid for others
- benevolenceDisposition toward doing good
- reliefEasing of distress
- endowmentPermanent donated fund
scholarships · almsgiving · donations · fundraising · outreach · welfare · support · giving
- 18th Century GroupsFounding Fathers, Continental Congress, Sons of Liberty, Jacobins, Illuminati
- Victorian organizationsfraternal orders, benevolent societies, literary societies, missionary societies, mutual aid societies
- societiescivilization, secret societies, nation, literary societies, tribal society
- American OrganizationsNAACP, American Legion, VFW, American Red Cross, ACLU
- Conspiraciesconspiracy, deep state, new world order, chemtrails, flat earth
- elite networksold boys network, old boys club, inner circle, inner circles, cronyism