Masonic
|ma-son-ic|
🇺🇸
/məˈsɑnɪk/
🇬🇧
/məˈsɒnɪk/
relating to masons or Freemasonry
Etymology
'Masonic' originates from the English word 'mason' (from Middle English), with the adjectival suffix '-ic' (from Latin/Greek '-icus' via Old French), forming an adjective meaning 'of or relating to a mason.'
'Masonic' developed from Middle English 'mason' (from Old French 'maçon', meaning 'stone-worker'), and the suffix '-ic' (from Latin/Old French) was added in Modern English to create 'Masonic', especially in the 17th–18th centuries as 'Freemasonry' became established.
Initially it meant 'of or relating to stone masons or masonry', but over time it evolved to commonly mean 'of or relating to Freemasonry and its practices/members'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
(dated or rare) A person who is a member of a Masonic lodge; a Freemason. (This is a nominal use of the adjective.)
He was proud to be a Masonic and often spoke of the lodge's charitable work.
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Adjective 1
relating to masons or the craft of masonry (stone-working); pertaining to stone construction or stonemasons.
The cathedral's Masonic details show the skill of medieval stoneworkers.
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Adjective 2
relating to Freemasonry (the fraternal organization), its members, rituals, or traditions.
She attended a Masonic lodge meeting to learn about the fraternity's history.
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Last updated: 2025/11/04 05:31