anti-Mason
|an-ti-ma-son|
/ˌæn.tiˈmeɪ.sən/
against Freemasons
Etymology
'anti-Mason' originates from Modern English, composed of the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' ἀντί) and 'Mason' (from Old French 'maçon'), where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'maçon' meant 'mason' or 'stoneworker'.
'anti-Mason' developed as a compound in English in the early 19th century in reference to the Anti-Masonic movement; 'Mason' itself changed from Old French 'maçon' to Middle English forms such as 'masoun' and eventually to Modern English 'mason'.
Initially it specifically referred to a member or supporter of the 1820s–1830s Anti-Masonic movement (and the political Anti-Masonic Party); over time it broadened to mean any person opposed to Freemasonry.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who opposes Freemasonry; an opponent of Freemasons.
He was known as an anti-Mason who campaigned against secret societies.
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Noun 2
historically, a member or supporter of the Anti-Masonic movement or the Anti-Masonic Party (early 19th century, especially in the United States).
Many anti-Masons joined the Anti-Masonic Party during the 1820s and 1830s.
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Adjective 1
opposed to Freemasonry; expressing opposition to Freemasons or Masonic organizations.
The newspaper ran an anti-Mason editorial criticizing secret lodges.
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Last updated: 2025/11/04 04:03