Words

Definitions

Altar

Holy structure which is the focus of worship.  In the Masonic lodge, it is the emblem of the Sanctum Sanctorum or Holy of Holies which contained the Arc of the Covenant.

Amen

Response to the ending of prayer; signifies completion; follows “So Mote It Be.”

Ambulatory Lodge

A traveling lodge established in a branch of the service; moves with the service unit(s).

American Rite

York Rite:  Symbolic Lodges, Royal Arch Chapters, Cryptic Councils, Knight Templar Commanderies

Ample Form

Opening, closing ceremonies by Grand Master or his representative.

Ancient Craft Masonry

Consists of the first three degrees of Masonry:  Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason

Androgynous Degrees

Degrees conferred on men and women.

Anno Depositonis

Year of the Deposit; date used by Cryptic Masonry.  Add 1000 to A.D. date.

Anno Domini

Year of the Lord; common date.

Anno Inventionis

Year of Discovery; date used by Royal Arch Masons.  Add 530 to A.D. date.

Anno Lucis

Year of Light; date used in Ancient Craft Masonry; add 4000 to date Anno Domini.

Anno Mundi

Year of the world; date used in Scottish Rite; add 3760 to date Anno Domini.

Anno Ordinis

Year of the Order; date used by Knights Templar.  Subtract 1118 from A.D. date.

Antient

Grand Lodge in England, 1751.

Anti-Masonry

Anti-Masonic Party, formed 1826 after William Morgan was alleged to have been murdered by Freemasons.

Apple Tree Tavern

Where Grand Lodge of England was organized, 1717.

Apostate

One who violates obligations and renounces Masonry.

Apron

Badge of a Mason; necessary clothing in lodge; properly made of lambskin.

Ashlar

Rough ashlar, unsquared stone; perfect ashlar, stone ready for use.

Assembly

Craft meetings.

Aspirant

Seeker for knowledge

Asylum

Meeting place of nights Templar.

Atheist

Non-believer in Deity.

Atholl Masons

“Antient” Masons of which third and fourth Dukes of Atholl were Grand Masters.

Badge of a Mason

Lambskin apron.

Ballot

Ball, cube or paper secret vote.

Barefoot

Israelites sealed contracts by removing shoes; in ancient usage bare feet marked respect.

Baton

Insignia of office of Marshal and/or Master of Cermonies.

Battery

Formal blows of gavel, or hands.

Blue Lodge

Lodge working the first three degrees.

Blazing Star

Symbol of Divine Providence.

Boaz

Left-hand pillar in porch of Solomon’s Temple.

Book of Constitutions

Volume of laws governing Freemasons.

Book of the Law

Holy Book on the Altar; VSL – Volume of the Sacred Law; Sacred Book on Masonic Altar; in most lodges the Bible; in some countries other Sacred Books.

Brazen Pillars

Two, in porch of Solomon’s Temple, flanking entrance; Boaz & Jachin.

Broken Column

Emblematic of untimely death.

By-Laws

Secondary laws governing body adopting them.