Provided by the Masonic Education Committee of the Grand Lodge of LA..

This word list may be used as a lodge educational program by simply giving the word and let participants give a definition of the word. Continue until all the different meanings of the word have been brought out. About ten words (1 page) is enough for one program.

ALLEGORY: A description of one thing under the image of another. A representation by means of a figurative story. This is called a parable in the bible. Masonry has been said to be "veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols."

Cowan: An uninstructed and ignorant person--One not of the fraternity.--originally one who built without mortar. This word is almost never used outside of Freemasonry.

COUNTENANCE: From E A Charge--means to show open approval of. To lend countenance is to show open approval. To put out of countenance would be to cause embarrassment to someone.

DEMEANOR: From E A Charge---outward bearing, behavior or manner or conduct.

DEMIT: This is used almost exclusively in Masonry. It was not listed in any of 3 dictionaries & 2 thesauruses. In a Masonic encyclopedia it was explained as "a resignation from an office, employment, or membership." To grant a demit is to officially accept it. A demit is the honorable way to withdraw from a lodge. It is also used to enable a member to join another lodge. Some Gr. Lodges do not allow dual or plural membership and the only way to transfer from one lodge to another is to demit and petition the other lodge for affiliation.

FORTITUDE: One of the 4 cardinal virtues. it teaches us to bear the problems of life with becoming resignation and dignity; to let no pain or dangers cause us to violate the fidelity owed to the trusts reposed in us.

HELE: Pronounced "Hail." "Hele & Conceal" mean essentially the same. We use word pairs that repeat the same meaning because in olden days there were two common languages in England. Masonry developed a practice of using word pairs from the two sources so that the hearer would be sure to understand one of them.

INTERCOURSE: Carnal Intercourse refers to sex. (Not necessarily illegal or immoral.) Social intercourse, as referred to in the old closing prayer, means reciprocal exchange which includes communication, commerce, conversation, discourse, discussion, exchange, fellowship, sharing, socialization trade etc. The social intercourse we mean in the prayer is fellowship, conversation, communication trade etc. The generally accepted meaning of words do change over long periods of time and this one has changed.

SUSPEND: Masonically, it means a temporary deprivation of rights. To debar usually for a time, from an office or membership or function, or the enjoyment of a privilege. It may be for a definite or indefinite period.

Used in ________________________Lodge No. ____ date: ________