masonry

n. brickwork, stonework, mason's (builder's) trade

This article refers to the building structure component; for the fraternal organization, see Freemasonry. Masonry is the building of structures from individual units laid in and bound together by mortar (though the word "masonry" sometimes means the stones, rather than the act or art of building, particularly in the expression "falling masonry" used in reports of fires and earthquakes). The common materials of masonry construction are brick, stone such as marble, granite, travertine, limestone; concrete block, glass block, and tile. Masonry is generally a highly durable form of construction. However, the materials used, the quality of the mortar and workmanship, and the pattern the units are put in can strongly affect the durability of the overall masonry construction.
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Noun
1. Freemasons collectively
(synonym) Freemasonry
(hypernym) secret society
(member-meronym) Freemason, Mason

Noun
1. structure built of stone or brick by a mason
(hypernym) structure, construction
(hyponym) brickwork
2. the craft of a mason
(hypernym) trade, craft
(hyponym) bricklaying
(part-holonym) construction, building
(class) plaster, daub

(n.)
The work or performance of a mason; as, good or bad masonry; skillful masonry.
  

(n.)
The craft, institution, or mysteries of Freemasons; freemasonry.
  

(n.)
The art or occupation of a mason.
  

(n.)
That which is built by a mason; anything constructed of the materials used by masons, such as stone, brick, tiles, or the like. Dry masonry is applied to structures made without mortar.
  

Masonry Operative masonry, the art of building in stone; speculative and emblematic Freemasonry, called such since 1717 when four English Lodges of operative masons established the Grand Lodge of England of Speculative and Emblematic Freemasonry, so called because building materials, tools, and instruments are symbolically and analogically used in the building of the universe and of man as a temple enshrining a god. Originally, however, among the ancient Masons, and today throughout the Orient "wherever magic and the wisdom-religion are studied, its practitioners and students are known among their craft as Builders -- for they build the temple of knowledge, of secret science. Those of the adepts who are active, are styled practical or operative Builders, while the students, or neophytes are classed as speculative or theoretical. The former exemplify in works their control over the forces of inanimate as well as animate nature; the latter are but perfecting themselves in the rudiments of the sacred science" (IU 2:392).
Modern Freemasonry includes many Rites and Degrees, all the so-called higher degrees being based upon the three fundamental craft degrees --
1) Entered Apprentice;
2) Fellow Craft; and
3) Master Mason -- which degrees alone comprise true Masonic secrets and have any valid claim to descent from ancient Masonry.
to be continue "Masonry2 "