Aaron

(ehr-un) The older brother of Moses and first high priest of the Hebrews. [1209]

Abif

(ab-if-un) Literally, his father; a title of honor. [33322]

Abraham

(ay-bruh-ham) The founder of the Hebrew nation. [3693]

acacia

(uh-kay-shuh) A tree or shrub of the mimosa family which grew in the vicinity of Jerusalem. In the Bible it is called “shittim” and was esteemed a sacred wood among the Hebrews. Of it Moses was ordered to make the tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the rest of the sacred furniture. Do not pronounce the first syllable as “arh” or the second syllable like “cash.” [33717]

accord

(uh-kord) Hearty consent. [1213]

admonish

(uhd-mon-ish, ad-) Advise; warn. [1476]

affability

(af-uh-bil-uh-tih) Politeness; pleasantness. [3756]

affiliation

(uh-fil-ih-ay-shun) Act of becoming a member; joining. [4621]

affinity

(uh-fin-uh-tih) A similarity or likeness implying common origin. [37223]

aggravate

(ag-ruh-vayt) Make worse. [23914]

allude

(uh-luud) Refer indirectly to. [14123]

allurements

(uh-loor-m'ntz) Fascinations; charms. [15511]

Amen

(ay-men, ah-men) This word signifies in Hebrew, verily, truly, certainly. [1913]

amicably

(am-ih-kuh-blih) In a friendly manner; goodnaturedly. Not “am-ik-uh-blih.” [3283]

Ammonitish

(am-uh-nih-tish) Of the Ammonites, the descendents of Lot. Not “am-uh-ny-tish.” [23215]

ancient

(ayn-shunt) Antique; very old. [1644]

Ancient Landmarks

A landmark is a fixed marker from which measuring of land is done. The Ancient Landmarks are those fixed principles and practices which constitute Freemasonry, and which cannot be destroyed without destroying Freemasonry itself. [16322]

animosity

(an-uh-mos-uh-tih) Ill will; open or active hostility. [32723]

applicable

(ap-lih-kuh-b'l) Appropriate. Not “uh-plik-uh-b'l.” [1423]

apprentice

(uh-pren-tis) A learner or beginner. [1313]

apprised

(uh-pryz-'d) Informed; notified. Do not confuse with appraised, which means, “placed value upon.” [23217]

approbation

(ap-ruh-bay-shun) Approval; sanction. [3703]

architect

(arh-kuh-tekt) One who designs buildings. Not “arch-ih-tekt.” [35916]

archives

(arh-kyvz) A place for the safe keeping of records; the records themselves. [13616]

artificer

(arh-tif-uh-ser) A craftsman or skilled laborer. Not “arh-tis-uh-fer.” [23522]

ascertain

(ass-er-tayn) Find out with certainty. [11418]

ashlar

(ash-ler) A block of stone from which a column, capital or other finished product is carved or hewn. Not “ash-larh.” [14921]

aspersion

(uh-spur-zhun) False rumor; slander. [37511]

assassins

(uh-sas-inz) Murderers who strike suddenly and without warning. [3615]

assaulted

(uh-sawlt-'d) Attacked violently. [36517]

atheist

(ay-thee-ist) One who denies the existence of a God, or of a supreme intelligent being. A belief in God is one of the unwritten landmarks of the Order. [14216]

atrocity

(uh-tros-uh-tih) Brutality. [34113]

attribute

(at-ruh-byuut) A characteristic or quality of a thing. [1547]

august

(aw-gust) Inspiring awe and reverence; imposing; majestic. Not “aw-gust.” [12721]

auspices

(aws-pis-iz) Patronage. [35913]

bade

(bad) Commanded. [586]

barbarous

(bahr-buh-rus) Uncivilized; primitive. Not “bahr-bair-ih-us.” [23710]

beholden

(bih-hohl-d'n) Held under obligation; indebted. [3222]

beneficent

(buh-nef-uh-s'nt) Doing or resulting in good. Not “ben-ih-fish-unt” [22322]

Boaz

(boh-az) From the Hebrew, “b,” “in”; and “oaz” signifying, “in strength”. [2257]

Bone

(bohn) Is the Hebrew word “bo-neh,” meaning, builder. Correctly pronounced in one syllable.

bourne

(bawrn, bohrn) Boundary. [22115]

brazen

(bray-z'n) Of brass. [2255]

Brethren

(breth-rin) Note that the vowel in the first syllable is “e,” [not “o.” There are no such words as “brothren” or “brothern.” [Also this word consists of only two syllables and is not pronounced “breth-er-in.” The term is used in speaking of Masons and in this connection is preferable to “Brothers.” [1313]

cable-tow

(kay-b'l-toh) A rope. Symbolically, the scope of a man's reasonable ability. [1271]

candor

(kan-der) Fairness; sincerity. [23917]

capital

(kap-uh-t'l) The top part of a column or pilaster. [22810]

cardinal

(kahr-d'n-ul) Fundamental; principal; chief. [1555]

celestial

(suh-les-chul) Heavenly; divine. [37313]

chamber

(chaym-ber) An assembly hall. [2253]

chapiters

(chap-ih-terz) The ornamental tops or capitals of pillars. This form of word is no longer in common use. Do not confuse with “chapters.” [22519]

charter

(charh-ter) A document setting forth a set of granted rights and privileges given by the Grand Lodge to the constituent Lodge at the time of constitution. The Master is its custodian, and must see to its security at all times. [1459]

circuitous

(ser-kyuu-ih-tus) Roundabout; indirect; devious. Do not pronounce “ser-kuh-tus.” [33712]

circumference

(ser-kum-fer-uns) Distance around. [15214]

circumscribe

(sur-kuhm-skryb) Limit; confine. [1285]

circumspection

(sur-kuhm-spek-shun) Careful attentiveness to all circumstances; cautiousness. [38710]

clandestine

(klan-des-tin) Not regular. There is no “d” or “t” on the end of the word. Also not pronounced “klan-des-teen.” [3226]

cleaves

(kleevz) Separates. [3536]

clefts

(kleftz) Openings; narrow passages; fissures. Not “cliffs” or “cliffs.” [3649]

column

(kol-um) A kind of supporting pillar. Not “kol-yum.” [22721]

commemoration

(kuh-mem-uh-ray-shun) Ceremony to honor the memory of. [12720]

commend

(kuh-mend) To put in the care of another; entrust. [37610]

compasses

(kum-puhs-iz) This plural is the form preferred in speaking of the instrument, and is the one we use Masonically. [1283]

compassionate

(kuhm-pash-uhn-ayt) To sympathize deeply with; to pity. [15323]

competency

(kom-puh-tuhn-sih) Ability; fitness. Not “kom-peh-tuh-sih.” [11818]

Composite

(kuhm-poz-it) Designating one of the classic orders of architecture, which combines features of the Ionic and Corinthian capitals. [22815]

conceive

(kuhn-seev) To understand. [14110]

condescension

(kon-dih-sen-shun) The act of descending voluntarily to the level of the person that one is dealing with. [3757]

conflagration

(kon-fluh-gray-shun) A big, destructive fire. [22516]

consecrated

(kon-suh-krayt-'d) Set apart as holy. [22421]

conspiracy

(kuhn-spir-uh-sih) Combination of men for an evil purpose; plot. Not “kuhn-spyr-uh-sih.” [3601]

conspired

(kuhn-spyr-'d) Plotted. [34522]

consultation

(kon-s'l-tay-shun) Discussion. [3647]

contemplative

(kon-tuhm-play-tiv) Thoughtful; meditative. [2249]

contention

(kuhn-ten-shun) Argument; dispute. [3297]

Corinthian

(kuh-rin-thih-un) The noblest, richest and most delicate of all the three orders of Greek architecture. [22914]

corporeal

(korh-poh-rih-ul) Of or for the body. Not “korh-por-rih-ul.” [Do not confuse with corporal, which is an enlisted rank in the armed services. [16215]

cowans

(kow-unz) Profanes; pretenders; intruders -- particularly those seeking to obtain the secrets of Masonry unlawfully. [1416]

cowardice

(kow-er-dis) Lack of courage. [1568]

craftsmen:

[3405]

cubits

(kyuu-'bitz) An ancient measure, probably the length of the forearm and hand from the elbow to the extremity of the middle finger, or approximately 18 inches (46 cm.). [22517]

cymbal

(sim-b'l) A gong. [21023]

David

(day-vid) The second king of Israel and father of Solomon. [3694]

Deity

(dee-uh-tih) God. Not “dy-uh-tih.” [2247]

delineate

(dih-lin-ih-ayt) To trace the outline of; to draw; depict. [2312]

deluge

(del-yuuj) Flood. [1595]

demean

(dih-meen) To behave or conduct (oneself). [38617]

denominations

(dih-nom-uh-nay-shunz) Classes or kinds having specific names or values. [2235]

derogatory

(dih-rog-uh-toh-rih) Tending to lessen or impair; detracting. [l6l8]

destitute

(des-tih-tyuut, -tuut) Lacking the necessities of life. [1371]

detestation

(dee-tes-tay-shan) Intense dislike; hatred. [15521]

deviate

(dee-vih-ayt) To turn aside from a course, direction, standard, etc. [1586]

diadem

(dy-uh-dem) A crown. [13122]

discordant

(dis-korh-dunt) Disagreeing; lacking harmony. [198]

diurnal

(dy-ur-n'l) Daily. Second syllable of this word is not “yoori.” [22611]

divested

(duh-vest-'d, dy-) Deprived of; removed. Not “dy-vest-'d.” [1405]

Doric

(dawr-ik, dor-) The oldest architectural style of ancient Greece. Not “doh-rik.” [22814]

dotage

(doht-ij) Feeble-mindedness in old age; senility. [3224]

due guard

(dyuu, duu-gahrd) A mode of recognition which derives its name from its object, which is to duly guard the person using it as regards his obligations, and the penalty for their violation. [12819]

ecliptic

(ih-klip-tik, ee-) The sun's orbit. [1492]

edifice

(ed-uh-fis) A building. [14010]

emanating

(em-uh-nay-ting) Coming forth. [1459]

emblematical

(em-bluh-mat-ih-k'l) Symbolical. [13223]

eminence

(em-uh-nuns) Greatness. [1613]

emulation

(em-yoo-lay-shun) The attempt to equal or surpass. [3299]

enfranchized

(en-fran-chyz-'d) Freed. [1328]

entreat

(in-treet) To ask earnestly; beg. [37615]

Ephraimites

(ee-frih-uh-mytz) Members of a tribe of Israel. [23211]

equilateral

(ee-kwuh-lat-er-'l) Having all sides equal. [12519]

equivocation

(ih-kwiv-uh-kay-shun) Purposely vague or ambiguous meaning, used in order to deceive or mislead. [12615]

err

(ur) Do wrong. [15219]

escape

(uh-skay'p, eh-) The second letter of this word is not “x.” [33713]

Ethiopia

(ee-thih-oh-pih-uh) A port of Africa from which tradition says part of the jewels and gold for the Temple came. [33810]

Euclid

(yuu-klid) Greek geometrician, born about 300 B.C. [37123]

exemplary

(ig-zem-pluh-rih) Serving as a model or example; worth imitating. [3736]

expedient

(ik-spee-dih-unt) Useful for effecting a desired result; convenient. [1565]

extort

(ik-storht) To get by violence or threats. [3601]

exuberance

(ig-zuu-ber-uns) Great abundance. [2262]

fervency

(fur-vuhn-cih) Great warmth of feeling; intense earnestness. [15814]

fidelity

(fy-del-uh-tih, fuh-) Faithful devotion to duty, obligations or vows. Note that the second syllable of this word is accented, not the first syllable. [14222]

Fides

(fy-deez) The Roman goddess of fidelity. [14315]

figurative

(fig-yoor-uh-tiv) Not in its usual, literal or exact sense. [164A13]

fortitude

(for-tuh-tyuud, -tuud) Firm courage. [1561]

Fraternity

(fruh-tur-nuh-tih) Freemasonry. Do not pronounce the first syllable either “fray” or “frat.” [24017]

free born

A man who is not a slave and whose mother was not a slave. [11516]

fruition

(fruu-ish-un) A coming to fulfillment; realization. [14710]

Gilead

(gil-ih-ud) The Syrian mountains. [23218]

God

Not Gawd. [35720]

Golden Fleece

One of the most illustrious orders of knighthood of Europe, established in 1429 by the Duke of Burgundy. [13113]

guttural

(gut-er-'l) Of the throat. Not “gut-rul.” [1554]

habiliments

(huh-bil-uh-muntz) Garments; clothing. [1353]

handiwork

(han-dih-wurk) Work done by a person himself. [14018]

harassed

(huh-ras-'d) Troubled; tormented. [15912]

hecatomb

(hek-uh-tohm) In ancient Greece, the mass slaughter of 100 cattle as an offering to the gods. [38910]

hele

To cover up. Properly pronounced like “hail” or “hale.” [1299]

Hermon

(her-mun) A mountain in south Anti-Lebanon range. Modern name Jebel Esh-Sheikh. [12011]

hieroglyphical

(hy-er-uh-glif-ik-'l) A picture of symbol representing a word, syllable or sound, used by the ancient Egyptians and others. [37113]

Hiram

(hy-rum) In Hebrew, means noble-born.]

homage

(hom-ij, om-) Reverence; honor. [2247]

humble

(hum-b'l, um-) Not proud; modest. [12720]

hypocrisy

(hih-pok-ruh-sih) A pretending to be what one is not, or to feel what one does not feel. First syllable is not pronounced “high.” [15414]

inbrued

(in-bruu-'d) Wet or stained, especially with blood. [34811]

immemorial

(im-uh-moh-rih-ul) Extending back beyond the reach of memory or record. [13613]

imminent

(im-uh-nunt) Likely to happen without delay. Not “in-uh-munt.” [3666]

immortalized

(ih-morh-t'l-eyez-'d) Made to live forever. [3715]

impious

(im-pih-us) Irreverent; disrespectful of God and God's laws. [34811]

implored

(im-plohr-'d) Begged. [36219]

imprecations

(im-prih-kay-shunz) Curses. Do not confuse this word with “implications,” which means entanglements. [34816]

incensed

(in-sens-'d) Filled with wrath; angered. [23214]

inclemency

(in-klem-uhn-cih) Severity; harshness. [2284]

inculcated

(in-kul-kayt-'d; in-kul-kayt-'d) Taught by insistent repetition. NOT “in-kal-kyuu-layt-'d.” [17017]

incumbent

(on) (in-kum-bunt) Resting upon as a duty or obligation. [15318]

indigent

(in-dih-junt) Poor; needy. [38522]

indiscriminately

(in-dis-krim-uh-nit-lih) Without distinction. Not “in-dis-krim-uh-nayt-lih) [32818]

indispensable

(in-dis-pen-suh-b'l) Absolutely necessary. [1379]

indissoluble

(in-dih-sol-yoo-b'l) That which cannot be dissolved, decomposed or destroyed. [15320]

indite

(in-dyt) To put in writing. [12610]

inestimable

(in-es-tih-muh-b'l) Too great or valuable to be properly measured or estimated. [14716]

infringed

(in-frinj-'d) Violated. [37514]

iniquity

(in-ik-wuh-tih) Wickedness; sin. [21116]

injunction

(in-jungk-shun) Command; order. [3439]

inquiry

(in-kwuh-rih; in-kwyr-ih) A question. [5221]

insidious

(in-sid-ih-us) Characterized by treachery or slyness; crafty. [37419]

integrity

(in-teg-ruh-tih) Honesty; uprightness. [36518]

intelligible

(in-tel-ih-juh-b'l) Clear; capable of being understood. [12612]

interment

(in-tur-munt) Burial. Do not confuse with “internment” which means confinement or detention. [3519]

interposition

(in-ter-puh-zish-un) Intervention. [3703]

interrogations

(in-tehr-uh-gay-shunz) Questions. [11117]

intrinsic

(in-trin-sik) Inherent; essential. [13615]

inundation

(in-un-day-shun) A flood; deluge. [22516]

invariable

(in-vair-ih-uh-b'l) Unchanging; constant. [1585]

inviolable

(in-vy-uh-luh-b'l) Sacred; not to be profaned, or injured. [3101]

inviolate

(in-vy-uh-lit, -layt) Not violated; kept sacred, or unbroken. [24018]

invoking

(in-voh-king) Asking solemnly for; imploring. [1183]

Ionic

(eye-on-ik) A Greek style of architecture characterized by ornamental scrolls on the capitals. [22814]

Israelitic

(iz-rih-uhl-it-ik) Of Israel or the Israelites; Jewish. [1412]

Jachin

(jay-kin) Pillar of Establishment. Not “jah-kin.” [2258]

Jephta

(jef-thuh) A judge of Israel, and the leader of the Gileadites in their war against the Ephraimites. [23210]

Joppa

(jop-uh) Seacoast city 37 miles (59 km.) from Jerusalem, now called Jaffa. [14013]

Josephus

(joh-see-fus) A Jewish author who lived in the first century. [35815]

Jubela

(juu-buh-lah) First ruffian. [3408]

Jubelo

(juu-buh-loh) Second ruffian. [3408]

Jubelum

(juu-buh-lum) Third ruffian. [3408]

Judah

(juu-duh) The fourth son of Jacob, whose descendents became the most distinguished of the twelve tribes. [3559]

judicious

(juu-dish-us) Having, applying or showing sound, judgment. [22912]

lamentation

(lam-un-tay-ahun) Expression of deep sorrow. [34417]

laurel

(lahr-ul) Foliage of the bay tree, especially as woven into wreaths; used by the ancient Greeks to crown victors in contests. [13120]

Lebanon

(leb-uh-nun) A mountainous country north of Palestine and the place where grew great cedars used in the building of King Solomon's temple. [14013]

legible

(lej-uh-b'l) Capable of being read or deciphered. [12612]

licentious

(ly-sen-shus) Immoral; unchaste. Not “lih-sen-shus.” [15516]

Lion of the Tribe of Judah

In the Christian interpretation of Masonic symbols this phrase is supposed to mean Christ (Revelation 5:5) and the allusion is said to refer to the doctrine of resurrection. [3559]

Mah-hah

A Hebrew phrase, meaning, “What! Is this the _____?”

manifest

(man-un-fest) Prove. [16318]

manifold

(man-uh-fohld) Having many and various forms, parts, etc. Not “min-ih-fohld.” [14813]

manual

(man-yuu-ul) Of a hand or the hands. [1554]

Masonic

(muh-sahn-ik) Not “may-sahn-ik,” [“may-sun-ik,” [or “muh-sun-ik.”]

Masonry

(may-s'n-rih) Not “may-s'n-ehr-ih.”]

memory

(mem-er-ih). Do not fail to pronounce second syllable. [1648]

mercenary

(mur-suh-nehr-ih) Done for payment only, venal, greedy. [11215]

meridian

(muh-rid-ih-un) The position of the sun at noon. [1493]

metaphorically

(met-uh-fawr-ih-kal-ih) Use of a figure of speech in which one thing is likened to another, different thing by being spoken of as if it were that other. [14611]

monitor

(mon-uh-ter) Something that reminds. [16012]

morality

(maw-ral-uh-tih, muh-) A being in accord with the principles or standards of right conduct. [14917]

Mosaic

(moh-zay-ik) Of a design made by inlaying small bits of colored stone, glass, etc. in mortar. [1484]

Mount Moriah

(moh-ry-ah) A low hill in the southeastern part of Jerusalem. [3692]

murderous

(mur-der-us) Not “mur-druss.” [34116]

Naphtali

(naf-tuh-lie) One of the tribes of Hebrews, said to have dwelt adjacent to Tyre or Phonecia. Not “naf-tuh-lih.” [22515]

nonage

(non-ij) The state of being under lawful age. [3224]

novitiate

(noh-vish-ih-it, -ayt) Beginner. [23921]

obdurate

(ob-doo-rit, -dyoo-) Obstinate; stubborn. [15818]

operative

(op-er-uh-tiv; op-uh-ray-tiv) Engaged in or doing work; active; esp., occupied in productive labor. Not “op-uh-ray-tiv.” [2236]

palliate

(pal-ih-ayt) To make an offence appear less serious than it is; excuse. [23913]

parian

(pair-ih-un) A fine quality of marble. Not “puh-rih-un.” [3699]

pectoral

(pek-tuh-rul) Pertaining to the breast. [1554]

peculiarity

(pih-kyuu-lih-air-uh-tih) Oddness. [34015]

pedal

(pee-d'l) Of the foot or feet. [1554]

penalty

(pen-'l-tih) A punishment fixed by law, as for a crime. Not “pee-n'l-tih.” [15522]

perambulation

(per-am-byoo-lay-shun) A walk through, over, around, etc. [11917]

perpendicular

(pur-pun-dik-yoo-ler) Exactly upright; vertical. [15210]

pervades

(per-vaydz) Is spread throughout. [3731]

Pharaoh

(fair-oh; fay-roh) The title of the rulers of ancient Egypt. [1518]

phenomena

(fih-nom-uh-nuh) Facts or events that are apparent to the senses and can be scientifically described. [2269]

piety

(py-uh-tih) Devotion to religious duties. Not “pee-uh-tih.” [3737]

pilasters

(pih-las-terz) Rectangular supporting architectural members, built in as a part of the building, but projecting from it. A column is usually round and stands apart from the wall. Not “py-las-terz.” [22718]

Pleyel

(play-ih-el; ply-el), Ignaz Joseph (1757-1831). An Austrian musical composer. [3521]

plumb

(plum) An instrument for erecting perpendiculars. The “b” [is not pronounced. [14911]

pomegranates

(pom-gran-itz, pum-) A fruit having many seeds. Do not pronounce the first “e” as a syllable. [22521]

potentate

(poh-t'n-tayt) A ruler, sovereign or monarch. [13123]

precept

(pree-sept) A rule of moral conduct; principle, [3748]

preeminent

(pree-em-uh-nunt) Prominent; exalted. [1615]

preferment

(prih-fur-munt) An advancement in rank or office. Not “pref-er-munt.” [23814]

premeditated

(pree-med-uh-tayt-'d) Planned beforehand. [35920]

prerogative

(prih-rog-uh-tiv) A prior or exclusive privilege. Do not say “puh-rog-uh-tiv.” [22220]

proclaimed

(proh-klaym-'d) Announced officially. [36515]

profess

(pruh-fes) To make an open declaration of. [14214]

proficiency

(pruh-fish-uhn-sih) Expertness; skill. First syllable of this word is not “pree.” [2719]

prophecy

(prof-uh-sih) Prediction of the future under the influence of divine guidance. [2111]

propound

(pruh-pound) To put forward for consideration. [11114]

propriety

(pruh-pry-uh-tih) Conformity with what is proper or fitting or with accepted standards of behavior. [11010]

protocol

(proh-tuh-kol) Established, ceremonial forms and courtesies. [164A18]

prudent

(pruu-d'nt) Exercising sound judgment in practical matters. [16213]

prudentially

(pruu-den-shul-ih) Sensibly; cautiously. Not “pruu-d'nt-lih.” [1566]

Pythagoras

(pih-thag-er-us) Greek philosopher and mathematician of the 6th century B.C. [38818]

presume

(prih-zuum, -zyuum) To take upon oneself without permission or authority. [1173]

quarries

(kwar-iz) Places where stone is excavated for building purposes. Is not pronounced “kwair-iz.” [14011]

rationally

(rash-uhn-uh-lih) Sensibly. [1403]

recapitulation

(ree-kuh-pich-oo-lay-shun) A summary. [1401]

reciprocal

(rih-sip-ruh-k'l) Mutual. [38614]

reciprocations

(rih-sip-rah-kay-shunz) Mutual interchanges. [3594]

rectitude

(rek-tih-tyuud, -tuud) Honesty; straightness. [14919]

redeeming

(rih-deem-ing) Delivering from sin and its penalties. [1412]

reflection

(rih-flek-shun) Serious thought; contemplation. [33612]

reformation

(ref-er-may-shun) A correction of faults or evils. Do not pronounce “rih-form-ay-shun.” [35615]

refractory

(rih-frak-tuh-rih) Stubborn; obstinate; hard to manage. [14116]

repository

(rih-poz-uh-toh-rih) A place where things may be put for safekeeping. [23511]

reprehend

(rep-rih-hend) Reprimand; rebuke. [23918]

revelation

(rev-uh-lay-shun) Striking disclosure. [1511]

revulsion

(rih-vul-shun) Abrupt strong reaction, esp., disgust. [34918]

rhetoric

(ret-uh-rik) The art of prose composition. [2301]

Roman Eagle

One of the noblest decorations of Ancient Rome. [13113]

Saints John

Only the first word is pluralized. These words refer to St. John the Baptist, whose festival occurs on June 24, and St. John the Evangelist, whose festival occurs on December 27.

salutary

(sal-yoo-tehr-ih) Conducive to health; healthy. Not “sal-yoo-toh-rih.” [22322]

salvation

(sal-vay-shun) Saving of the soul from sin and death. [35423]

Sanctum Sanctorum

(sangk-tum sangh-toh-rum) The innermost and most sacred of the three parts of King Solomon's temple, it was ordained and made on purpose for the reception of the Ark of the Covenant. Note that there is no “i” in either word. [36012]

sceptre

(sep-ter) A staff held by rulers as a symbol of authority. [16110]

scythe

(syth) A tool for cutting grass, grain, etc. by hand. [3722]

secreted

(sih-kreet-'d) Hid; concealed. Not “see-krit-'d.” [36121]

sect

(sekt) A society or group, usually religious. Do not confuse with sex. [15311]

seraph

(sehr-uf) A member of the highest order of angels. [38510]

severally

(sev-er-uhl-ih; sev-ruhl-ih) Separately, distinctly. [23417]

Shibboleth

(shib-o-leth) This word has two meanings in Hebrew; first, an ear of corn; and, second, a stream of water.

solemnities

(suh-lem-nuh-tiz) Solemn formalities. [24015]

solicit

(suh-lis-it) Beg; entreat. [71021]

Solomon

(sol-uh-mun) King of Israel in the 10th century B.C. He was noted for his wisdom. [33022]

So Mote It Be

The Masonic equivalent of “Amen,” [which should always be audibly pronounced by all the Brethren in response to every prayer. [1921]

speculative

(spek-yoo-lay-tiv, -luh-tiv) Theoretical or academic as distinguished from actual working. Not “spek-yoo-lay-tiv.” [2241]

Star and Garter

The highest decoration that can be bestowed upon a subject by a sovereign of Great Britain. [13115]

steward

(styuu-erd, stuu-) Note that the last letter of this word is not “t.” [11116]

strength

(stringth). Not “strinth.” [2257]

stupendous

(styuu-pen-dus, stuu-) Overwhelming; immense. [1409]

sublime

(suh-blym) Noble, exalted; majestic. [196]

subservient

(suhb-sur-vih-unt) Excessively submissive. [15911]

Succoth

(suk-uth) An ancient city of Palestine, about 45 miles (72 km.) northeast of Jerusalem. [22512]

superfice

(suu-per-fis) The surface, the face of a thing. [2308]

superfluities

(suu-per-fluu-ah-tiz) Quantities beyond that which are needed. Not “suu-per-fluh-tiz.” [1367]

superfluous

(suu-per-fluu-us) Not needed; unnecessary. Not “suu-per-fluu-us.” [1361]

superstructure

(suu-per-struk-cher) That part of a building above the foundation. [14415]

sustenance

(sus-tih-nuns) Support; nourishment. [3862]

symmetry

(sim-uh-trih) Similarity of form or arrangement on either side of a dividing line or plane. Not “sih-met-rih.” [23617]

tabernacle

(tab-er-nak-'l) A shrine; a place of worship. [1519]

tempestuous

(tem-pes-chuu-us) Stormy. [3889]

temporal

(tem-per-ul) Of this world; worldly. Not “tem-poh-rul.” [15016]

tenets

(ten-itz) Principles; beliefs; doctrines. Do not confuse with tenants, which means “occupants.” [15222]

tessellated

(tes-uh-layt-'d) Paved in a mosaic pattern of small, square blocks. [14811]

theological

(thee-uh-loj-ih-k'l) Of the word of God; scriptural. [1471]

theorems

(thee-uh-rumz) Mathematical or physics problems embodying something to be proven. [3894]

tidings

(ty-dingz) Information. [34022]

transition

(tran-zish-un) A passing from one condition, place, etc. to another. [71013]

trestle board

(tres-'l bohrd) Note that the second “t” of the first word is not pronounced. [14922]

Tubal Cain

(tuu-buhl-kayn; tuu-bal-kayn) The father of artificers. Do not pronounce the second syllable like “ball.”

turbulent

(tur-byoo-lunt) Unruly; disorderly. [23212]

Tuscan

(tus-kun) The first and simplest form of architecture. [22814]

Tyre

(tyr) An important seaport in ancient Phoenicia, about 90 miles (144 km.) from Jerusalem. [34016]

unbiased

(un-by-ust) Without mental leaning. [11214]

unfeigned

(un-fayn-'d) Real; sincere; genuine. [3737]

unimpaired

(un-im-pehr-'d) Undamaged; not deteriorated. [23721]

unsullied

(un-sul-id) Not tarnished, stained, or soiled. [37421]

universality

(yuu-nuh-ver-sal-uh-tih) State of being present or occurring everywhere. The universality of Masonry means that Lodges may be chartered in any country; that nothing in the Landmarks confines the Fraternity to any one land or people; that Masons may work in any language. [1466]

variance

(vehr-ih-uns) Disagreeing; quarreling. [32722]

venerable

(ven-er-uh-b'l) Worthy of respect. [37511]

veneration

(ven-uh-ray-shun) Deep respect and reverence. [24020]

vested

(ves-tid) Fixed; settled; absolute. [4115]

vestment

(vest-munt) A garment. [37617]

vicissitudes

(vih-sis-uh-tyuudz, tuudz) Irregular changes. Do not fail to pronounce second syllable. [22314]

villainy

(vil-uhn-ih) Great wickedness. Not “vil-uhn-rih.” [3606]

void

(voyd) Empty. [12713]

vouchsafe

(vouch-sayf) To condescend or deign to grant. [11812]

vouch

(vouch) To give assurance or guarantee. [11510]

whence

(hwens) From what place, source, etc. Not “hwinch.” [2239]

wretches

(reh-chiz) Despised, scorned persons. [34811]

wrought

(rawht) Formed; fashioned; made. [22415]

zealous

(zel-us) Characterized by ardent devotion. Not “zeel-yus” [or “zel-yus.” [15818]

Zeredatha

(zer-ih-day-thuh; zuh-red-ay-thuh) A town on the west bank of the Jordan river near Bethlehem and opposite Succoth, where Hiram Abif is said to have cast the brazen utensils, pillars, etc. for the use of the Temple. [22513]

Zion

(zy-un) A hill in the old city of Jerusalem, site of the royal palace of David. Do not pronounce “zee-un.” [12013]

NOTE:

1. Accented syllable is emphasized.
2. Whenever “oo” appears it is pronounced like book.

REFERENCES USED:

• Webster's New World Dictionary
• Masonry Defined
• Mackey's Revised Encyclopedia
• Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia
• So Spake The Master
• Masonic Quiz Book
• Encyclopedia Britannica
• Webster's New International Dictionary