Freemason

A member of Freemasonry, a fraternal organisation whose members meet in lodges and follow a system of ceremonies, initiation, moral teaching, and mutual fellowship. By the nineteenth century Freemasonry was organised through local lodges under governing Grand Lodges, with members drawn from many occupations and social classes. Membership was generally by election or nomination, and Freemasonry placed particular emphasis on charity, personal conduct, and fraternity. The term denotes membership rather than a particular rank within the organisation.