Post by Tamrin on Sept 2, 2008 11:15:29 GMT 10
SOME MISUNDERSTOOD WORDS IN THE RITUAL
(Anon.)
(Anon.)
Meanings of words can change. Examples in Ritual are:
Cowan. Origin unknown. Likely to be purely Masonic. One dictionary meaning is “a working but unqualified mason and, hence, an intruder in a Freemasons’ Lodge.”
Enthusiast. An ultra-enthusiast, to the extent of self delusion.—One who engages in fanciful or impractical theories.
Hele. Derived from the Anglo-Saxon word “helan” meaning to conceal, so that the expression “hele and conceal” really says the same thing twice—first in Anglo-Saxon and then in Norman French. This may have been done in order that the instruction would be clearly understood in both languages, [which] at one time existed side by side in England.
Just. In the expression “in the body of a Lodge, just, perfect and regular” and as referred to in the investiture of the Treasurer at every Installation “keep just and regular accounts” the word “just” takes the ancient meaning “complete.”
Mystery. There are many meanings for this word with the following three applying to Freemasonry.
Peculiar. When Freemasonry is described as a “peculiar system of morality,” peculiar is used as meaning “belonging solely to or especially to.” Thus, what is being said is that Freemasonry is a special system of morality.
Worshipful. In this word “wor” is a corruption of the word worthy. “Ship” is a noun suffix as in friendship (similar to the suffix “ness” in greatness, or “hood” as in brotherhood). And the final suffix [sic] “ful” means full of as in beautiful. Therefore, the complete word worshipful means full of worthiness.
Allegory. Narrative description of a subject under the guise of another.
Approbation. Meaning formal approval.
Baneful. Meaning poisonous.
Celerity. Meaning swiftness.
Dilate. Meaning to speak or write at large upon.
Equivocation. Meaning ambiguous words to conceal truth.
Indite. Meaning to put into words.
Insidious. Meaning treacherous or crafty.
Meridian. Meaning at noon.
Oblation. Meaning sacrifice.
Passions. Meaning emotions.
Precepts. Meaning commands or maxims, moral instruction.
Propriety. Meaning fitness, rightness, correctness.
Rude. Meaning in natural state.
Scruple. Meaning feeling of doubt or hesitation.
Specie. Meaning coin, as opposed to paper money.
Tessellated. Meaning checkered.
King of Terrors. Meaning death.
Certain words are frequently mispronounced. Examples with the correct pronunciation are: “Fiat” as in diet . “Dias” not dias. “Transitory” with the accent on the first syllable. “Skirret” not skerrit. “Err” as in fur. “Amicable” with the accent on the first syllable. “Solace” with the accent on the first syllable. “Fidelity” with the first syllable pronounced as in kid. “Tenets” not tenants.
Cowan. Origin unknown. Likely to be purely Masonic. One dictionary meaning is “a working but unqualified mason and, hence, an intruder in a Freemasons’ Lodge.”
Enthusiast. An ultra-enthusiast, to the extent of self delusion.—One who engages in fanciful or impractical theories.
Hele. Derived from the Anglo-Saxon word “helan” meaning to conceal, so that the expression “hele and conceal” really says the same thing twice—first in Anglo-Saxon and then in Norman French. This may have been done in order that the instruction would be clearly understood in both languages, [which] at one time existed side by side in England.
Just. In the expression “in the body of a Lodge, just, perfect and regular” and as referred to in the investiture of the Treasurer at every Installation “keep just and regular accounts” the word “just” takes the ancient meaning “complete.”
Mystery. There are many meanings for this word with the following three applying to Freemasonry.
- A skill of a particular craft,
- One of a class of medieval drama based on scriptural incidents
- And a profound secret sometimes unknown to all or concealed from some.
Peculiar. When Freemasonry is described as a “peculiar system of morality,” peculiar is used as meaning “belonging solely to or especially to.” Thus, what is being said is that Freemasonry is a special system of morality.
Worshipful. In this word “wor” is a corruption of the word worthy. “Ship” is a noun suffix as in friendship (similar to the suffix “ness” in greatness, or “hood” as in brotherhood). And the final suffix [sic] “ful” means full of as in beautiful. Therefore, the complete word worshipful means full of worthiness.
Allegory. Narrative description of a subject under the guise of another.
Approbation. Meaning formal approval.
Baneful. Meaning poisonous.
Celerity. Meaning swiftness.
Dilate. Meaning to speak or write at large upon.
Equivocation. Meaning ambiguous words to conceal truth.
Indite. Meaning to put into words.
Insidious. Meaning treacherous or crafty.
Meridian. Meaning at noon.
Oblation. Meaning sacrifice.
Passions. Meaning emotions.
Precepts. Meaning commands or maxims, moral instruction.
Propriety. Meaning fitness, rightness, correctness.
Rude. Meaning in natural state.
Scruple. Meaning feeling of doubt or hesitation.
Specie. Meaning coin, as opposed to paper money.
Tessellated. Meaning checkered.
King of Terrors. Meaning death.
Certain words are frequently mispronounced. Examples with the correct pronunciation are: “Fiat” as in diet . “Dias” not dias. “Transitory” with the accent on the first syllable. “Skirret” not skerrit. “Err” as in fur. “Amicable” with the accent on the first syllable. “Solace” with the accent on the first syllable. “Fidelity” with the first syllable pronounced as in kid. “Tenets” not tenants.
