freemasonry

[ free-mey-suhn-ree ]

noun

1. secret or tacit brotherhood; fellowship; fundamental bond or rapport:

   the freemasonry of those who hunger for knowledge.

2. (initial capital letter) the principles, practices, and institutions of Freemasons.

freemasonry

¹

/ ˈfriːˌmeɪsənrɪ /

noun

1. natural or tacit sympathy and understanding

Freemasonry

²

/ ˈfriːˌmeɪsənrɪ /

noun

1. the institutions, rites, practices, etc, of Freemasons
2. Freemasons collectively

Word History and Origins

Origin of freemasonry¹

First recorded in 1400–50, freemasonry is from the late Middle English word fremasonry. See Freemason, -ry

Example Sentences

He became the Babcock family’s coachman and quickly gained respect in the Greater San Diego area, founding a Prince Hall Freemasonry lodge in San Diego for Black middle-class men to congregate and discuss civil rights.

From Los Angeles Times

They were social clubs with similarities to Freemasonry.

From Seattle Times

"Active membership in Freemasonry by a member of the faithful is prohibited, because of the irreconcilability between Catholic doctrine and Freemasonry," the Vatican's doctrinal office said in a letter published by Vatican media on Wednesday.

From Reuters

As a result, Freemasonry has become iconic in popular culture and among non-members who are intrigued by its shady rituals.

From National Geographic

Most people have never even heard of Freemasonry, but those who have often react as if I'd told them I was a member of House Slytherin.

From Salon