Friday, January 17, 2020

MASONIC CODE WORDS

We should know every letter
In our Craft's alphabet;
And some of them are better
Than others are, and yet
Each one as an initial
Some phase of brotherhood
may show as beneficial,
And all of them are good.
If we would praise be earning,
We'll let our brothers see
We have sufficient learning
To go from A to Z.
Then let us all work harder,
Show how we really feel.
Yes, let us start with Ardor,
And let us end with Zeal.


Like most words in the English language, many of the Masonic words within the Craft, below, have multiple meanings, e.g.:  "Manifold":  Vehicle engines have manifolds, however Masonically, the word, "Manifold" denotes a whole entity which is composed of many and diverse elements.
The reason for this is because as our English language has changed over the years, many of these Masonic words have fallen into dis-use.



Ardor:  Fiery intensity of feeling.
Admonish:  To gently and constructively counsel another person.
AllegoryA literary style that uses symbols, characters or events to suggestively represent an abstract idea.
AlludeA hint.  To make a somewhat disguised reference about a person, place or thing.
ArchaicOut of use.  So extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period.
AspersionAn unfavorable or damaging remark.
Barbarous
Lacking refinement or culture.  Coarse, very cruel savage.
BenedictionA ceremonial prayer requesting divine protection
BeneficentA benefit.  Doing or producing good.
BeseechTo earnestly ask or request.
BourneAn archaic term for a goal or destination
CandorCandid.  The quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech.
CelestialRelating to Heaven or the spirit.
CensureHarsh criticism or disapproval.
CircumscribeTo draw a line or a boundary around.
CircumspectionKnowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress by being prudent.
ConciliatesCompromise.  The ability to come to terms in the interests of obtaining good will.
ConformThe ability to adapt oneself.
ConsecratedSolemnly dedicated to or set apart for a high purpose, usually a Holy purpose.
ContriveTo come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort.
ConvexCurving or bulging outward.
CountenanceConsent to or give permission.
Cowans
Profanes, pretenders, intruders, eavesdroppers.  Those seeking to obtain the Masonic words and secrets of  Masonry without having been admitted to the fraternity.
DelineateTo accurately depict a shape.  To draw or trace the outline of; sketch out.
DelugeAn overwhelming number or amount of an item;..as in a deluge of rain.
DemeanTo reduce in worth or character.
DeportmentA manner of personal conduct or behavior.
DerogatoryImplies contempt or disapproval, ...such as a derogatory remark.
DiligentTaking care, patience and perseverance in carrying out tasks.

DiscerningHaving, revealing and exercising keen insight and good judgment. 
DiscordantConflicting.  Not in agreement or harmony.
DiscreetTactful.  Good at keeping secrets, or subtle and unobtrusive.
DiurnalOccurring in the daytime.  Belonging to the period of daylight.  (This is one of the Masonic words which few people understand its meaning.)
DivestTo deprive, remove or take away possessions from someone.
EavesdropperOne who stands under the eaves, or near the window or door of a house, to listen; hence, a secret listener.
EclipticAstronomic plane containing the Earth's orbit about the Sun.  An imaginary line followed on the earth's surface by the direct ray of the Sun during the year.  Solomon's temple, located in Jerusalem, is north of this line.
EdificeA building.  Especially a large or impressive one.
EmblematicServing as a visible symbol for something abstract; e.g.:  as a crown is emblematic of royalty.
EmulationTo copy.  An effort made to imitate another person's actions.
EndueTo endow.  To provide with a quality or trait.
EsteemTo regard with respect and consideration.
ExaltedNoble.  Elevated in rank, character, or status. 
ExhortTo make an urgent appeal.
ExpedientPractical.  Most appropriate to a purpose.
FallacyA false, erroneous or mistaken idea.
FervencyFeelings of great warmth and intensity.
FirmamentThe vault or expanse of the heavens; the sky.
HomageExpression of high regard.  Showing respect or attesting to the worth or influence of another person.
HypocrisyFalsely assuming the appearance of virtue or religion.
ImmemorialExtending back or existing since beyond the reach of memory, record, or tradition. Example:  Time immemorial.
ImploreTo earnestly call or pray for.
InclemenciesPhysical severity or harshness (commonly in respect to the elements or weather); roughness; storminess; rigor; severe cold, wind, rain, or snow. 
InculcatedTo be taught.  To implant by repeated statement or admonition; teach persistently and earnestly.
IncumbentObligatory.  A duty to which one is obliged to perform.
IneffableNot to be spoken because of its sacredness.  Unutterable: such as the ineffable name of the Deity.
InsidiousStealthily treacherous or deceitful.
InundationTo overwhelm.  To flood.
InvokingTo call on for aid or protection; to invite earnestly or solemnly; to summon; to address in prayer; to solicit or demand by invocation; to implore; as, to invoke the Supreme Being, or to invoke (appeal for) His blessing.
LaudableDeserving commendation; praiseworthy.
LicentiousIllegal or Immoral.  Disregard of rules.
ManifoldA whole entity which is composed of many and diverse elements.  Ex:  Manifold destiny.
MercenaryMotivated solely by a desire for monetary or material gain.
MeridianThe position of the sun at noon.
MonitorialMethod of mutual instruction.
NicetyDetail, exactness or precision.
ObdurateHard; firm; unbending; inflexible; unyielding; stubborn.
OppressTo impose excessive burdens upon; to overload; hence, to treat with unjust rigor.
PalliateTo try to mitigate, lessen, cover for or conceal the gravity of (an offense) by excuses, apologies, etc.
PatronizeRegularly attend.
PervadePermeate, diffuse.  To spread through.
PilastersAn ornamental and structural column that usually projects about a third of its width from the wall to which it is attached and contains a base and a capital (ornamental piece) on top.  A pilaster is part of a wall, whereas a column is free-standing.    
PiousReverence.  Having or showing strong religious feelings and devotion toward the Creator.
PreceptsA rule or principle prescribing a particular course of action or conduct.
ProneLying flat.  Prostrate.
Prudent
  1. Wise in handling practical matters; exercising good judgment or common sense.
  2. Careful in regard to one's own interests; provident.
  3. Careful about one's conduct; circumspect.
PrudentialWise.  Exercising good judgment and common sense.
RecapitulateSummary.  To repeat in a concise form.  Short form.  Recap.
RectitudeRightness.  Correctness of conduct and principle. 
ReformationImprovement.  Betterment.  Correction of an imperfect state.  Reform.
ReignRule.  To have control, or influence over.
PreceptsA rule or principle prescribing a particular course of action or conduct.
ProneLying flat.  Prostrate.
Prudent
  1. Wise in handling practical matters; exercising good judgment or common sense.
  2. Careful in regard to one's own interests; provident.
  3. Careful about one's conduct; circumspect.
PrudentialWise.  Exercising good judgment and common sense.
RecapitulateSummary.  To repeat in a concise form.  Short form.  Recap.
RectitudeRightness.  Correctness of conduct and principle. 
ReformationImprovement.  Betterment.  Correction of an imperfect state.  Reform.
ReignRule.  To have control, or influence over.
ReprehendReprimand.  Disapprove.
ReverentialHonor.  Esteem, Revere, Adore.  A feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe. 
SalutaryWholesome.  Promoting or conducive to some beneficial purpose.  A purpose which deserves a salute.
SeraphicA pure, angelic and burning love or ardor.  A Seraphim is one of a class of celestial beings with 6 wings...some believe they are the first of the nine classes of angels. They are mentioned in the Old Testament in Issaiah. 6:2, 3, 6, 7.   Seraph means "fiery ones", an allusion, it is supposed, to their burning love. They are represented as "standing"..."hovering"?... above the King as he sat upon his throne, ready at once to minister unto him. Their form appears to have been human, with the addition of their 3 sets of wings.



ShewbreadShowbread.  1 Sam. 21:1-6. This bread consisted of twelve loaves made of the finest flour. They were flat and thin, and were placed in two rows of six each on a table in the holy place before the Lord.They were renewed every Sabbath (Lev. 24:5-9), and those that were removed to give place to the new ones were to be eaten by the priests only in the holy place (see 1 Sam. 21:3-6; comp. Matt. 12:3, 4).
The number of the loaves represented the twelve tribes of Israel, and also the entire spiritual Israel, "the true Israel;" and the placing of them on the table symbolized the entire consecration of Israel to the Lord, and their acceptance of God as their God.
The table for the bread was made of acacia wood, 3 feet long, 18 inches broad, and 2 feet 3 inches high. It was plated with pure gold. Two staves, plated with gold, passed through golden rings, were used for carrying it.
ShewedShowed.  An archaic word meaning to show, display or exhibit.   
SolicitRequest.  To petition for something which is desired.
SublimeUltimate.  The greatest or most supreme and elevated degree.  Awe-inspiring.  Exalted. 
SubservientUseful.  Serving or acting in a subordinate capacity through a sense of duty.  Compliant and obedient to authority because of a deep understanding of the whole.
SubsistedTo Exist.  To Be.
SundryVarious and Diverse.  Many. 
SuperficiesSuperficial.  Outward appearance.  Shallow. Without depth. Residing on a single plane.
SuperfluitiesExcesses.  That which is not needed.
SustenanceNourishment.  That which is needed to sustain life.
SymmetryBeauty as a result of balance and a harmonious arrangement.  Excellence of proportion.  Regularity of form or arrangement in terms of like, reciprocal, or corresponding parts.
TabernacleA place of worship.  Shelter.  A temporary dwelling place. 
TemperateModerate.  Not extreme in behavior.
TempestViolent disturbance such as a storm or tornado.
TemporalTemporary.  For a limited time.
TenetsPrinciples. 
TesselatedCheckered.  Pertaining to or like mosaic tiling.  The word "tessella" means small square.
UnbiasedFair and impartial.  Without bias.
UnfeignedReal.  Sincere.  Unfaked.
UnsulliedPure.  Honorable.  Clean.  Untainted. 
VenerableExtremely old.  Worthy of Respect.  Revered.
VertexThe highest point of something.  The point of intersection of lines or the point opposite the base of a figure, as the top point of a triangle or a mountain.
VicissitudesChanges.  Fluctuations.  Variations.
VouchsafeTo promise or agree, condescendingly, because it is in your power; to bestow a special favor.  To vouch as safe.
WaftCause to move to and fro.
WroughtCreated.  Made. Designed.
ZealWith passion. Fervor.  Eager and ardent interest in pursuit of something.